Farmers in Charlevoix, Quebec were urged not to spread smelly fertilizer before the G7 summit in order to protect high-ranking guests from an unpleasant odor, according to media reports. The move may jeopardize crops, however.
The call for farmers to avoid spreading manure on their fields came ahead of the G7 summit, which will take place in Charlevoix on June 8-9. The request was reportedly received by Quebec’s Agriculture Ministry and forwarded to the local farming association, AFP reported, citing the letter. The story was initially published by a local agricultural newspaper, La Terre de Chez Nous.
“We ask for your cooperation so that the stay of our guests in our province is as pleasant as possible,” the letter read. It reportedly advised farmers to refrain from spreading liquid manure from June 1 to 9.
The directive was slammed by a member of the National Assembly of Quebec, Andre Villeneuve, who raised the question at a meeting on Thursday, sparking a debate in the local parliament.
“Asking farmers to stop their operations puts their crops at risk,” Villeneuve said, adding that the period is crucial for agriculture. The politician also noted that food served to the high-ranking guests at the G7 summit does not come “from nowhere,” and fertilizers were used for its production.
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