Union des producteurs agricoles du Québec

The Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) is a Quebec-based agricultural union representing and supporting producers across the province. As a professional association, it advocates for farmers' interests, provides resources and services to its members, and organizes sector events such as agricultural expos. Its scope encompasses various agricultural commodities through a network of affiliated groups, including specialized entities like Producteurs de grains du Québec. The union operates with a staff of 160 employees who manage its internal systems and member outreach across Quebec's agricultural landscape, functioning as a central voice for producers in discussions with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders.

UPA's scale is reflected in its affiliation with 23 client organizations, extending its influence throughout Quebec's farming community. The union distinguishes itself through its role as a primary representative body for agricultural producers, engaging on issues affecting the sector and maintaining a significant operational footprint. A notable recent challenge was the August 2022 ransomware attack that encrypted all internal IT systems, disrupting operations for weeks and affecting affiliated entities. This incident, described as the most severe in UPA's history, underscored the growing cyber threats facing agricultural organizations and prompted the engagement of external cybersecurity experts to secure networks and investigate the breach. Despite temporary operational hurdles—such as blocked files for a special agricultural expo publication—the union confirmed that agricultural producers themselves faced no immediate consequences, highlighting its resilience and the importance of its support functions during crises. The attack also positioned UPA as an example of critical infrastructure within Quebec's agricultural sector facing escalating digital risks.