This study was funded by a grant from the Fondation Claude Masse (2015–2016), obtained jointly with Professor Marie-Claude Desjardins of the Université de Sherbrooke. The consumption of local agri-food products can notably promote health and ensure a degree of food safety, nutritional, and ecological quality.
In this context, it becomes relevant to ask whether the information that Québec, federal, and international economic law provide and authorize regarding the origin of agri-food products enables Québec consumers to make an informed choice. The study first consisted of an analysis of the law in force, before exploring its potential for evolution, as well as that of voluntary programs and instruments, in order to improve consumers' access to information that is sufficient in both quantity and quality.
The work arising from this research led to the publication of several scientific articles and the presentation of papers at various symposia and conferences.
Selected Outcomes
Publications
- Desjardins, M-C. and G. Parent, (2019), « L'origine des aliments : pour ne pas perdre le Nord. Portrait et analyse des instruments juridiques étatiques et volontaires l'encadrant ».
Communications
- Desjardins, M-C et al., « Consumers’ Right to Information on Animal Welfare ». The Future of Food Law & Policy in Canada Conference, Dalhousie University, Halifax, 2016
- Desjardins, MC et al, « La prise en compte des liens entre l’aliment, la santé et le territoire par les certifications privées : l’exemple des produits d’origine animale », 2nd International Symposium, L’aliment(ation) : entre territoire et santé, 6-7 octobre 2016, Université Laval, Québec. (with Sabrina Tremblay-Huet)
- Desjardins, MC et al, « Les initiatives de consommation « responsables » dans le domaine des produits agroalimentaires d’origine animale et la protection juridique du consommateur », École d’été en droit de la consommation, UQAM, 17 juillet 2016 (co-auteure) (with Sabrina Tremblay-Huet).
