OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Laurent Pellerin has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Farm Products Council of Canada (F.P.C.C.), announced Gerry Ritz, Federal Agriculture Minister. Mr. Pellerin's appointment is for a four-year term and is effective May 31.

"I am very pleased Mr. Pellerin has accepted this appointment to the Council," Mr. Ritz said. "Over the course of many years leading producer organizations, most recently as president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Mr. Pellerin has earned the respect of farmers. I look forward to working with Mr. Pellerin in his new role."

The F.P.C.C. plays a key role in Canada's supply-management system for poultry and eggs. The council, which was created in 1972, supervises the operations of the four national marketing agencies that manage the supply of Canadian chicken, turkey, eggs and broiler hatching eggs. These agencies establish and allocate production quota, promote products, raise funds through levies and license marketers.

The council also supervises the operation of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency. The F.P.C.C. was known as the National Farm Products Council until 2009.

Reporting to parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the chairperson of the F.P.C.C. is accountable for managing and directing the council's operation.

A resident of Bécancour, Quebec, Mr. Pellerin has owned a hog and cereal farm since 1972.