Open AccessGovernance of risk management programs: Learning from Québec's Farm Income Stabilization Insurance program
Author(s) -
Frédérick Clerson
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
journal of agriculture, food systems, and community development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2152-0798
pISSN - 2152-0801
DOI - 10.5304/jafscd.2022.112.011
Subject(s) - stakeholder , corporate governance , representation (politics) , ranking (information retrieval) , politics , public relations , actuarial science , business , public administration , computer science , political science , finance , artificial intelligence , law
Involving stakeholders in program decision-making can support existing programs and reduce tensions against the state. However, to be involved, stakeholders may request specific mechanisms to influence program design or outcomes. This paper analyzes the design of four consultation mechanisms and the resultant stakeholder experiences in a provincial Canadian program called Farm Income Stabilization Insurance (FISI). The program offers a protection against low prices. The findings of this paper are based on 18 semi-structured interviews conducted with current and former participants familiar with the mechanisms. An analysis is accomplished through Arnstein’s ladder of citizen participation and Glasser’s choice theory. Results show that stakeholder representation can be improved by adequately designing consultation mechanisms and implementing specific actions. Recommended practices include separating political and technical discussions, asking a third party to take charge of the consultation mechanisms and prepare information, formally laying down recurrent mechanisms, and involving high-ranking individuals in the discussions.