Governance of risk management programs: Learning from Québec's Farm Income Stabilization Insurance program

Frédérick Clerson

doi:10.5304/jafscd.2022.112.011

Abstract

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.

Highlights

This study enables the identification of factors supporting stakeholder participation and contributes to a better understanding of Farm Income Stabilization Insurance (FISI), a program that has historically lacked attention from researchers (Gervais & Larue, 2007)
Drawing on Arnstein’s (1969) ladder of citizen participation and Glasser’s (1999) choice theory, this paper examines the involvement of Québec farmers in decisions affecting the FISI program through mechanisms of consultation, where farmers’ groups have a voice in the establishment of parameters surrounding the program and the eligibility of the beneficiaries
This paper offered a unique perspective into the relationships between the state and stakeholders as they work on improving a long-lasting farm income support program

Summary

Introduction

Policymakers who design government programs rely on many sources of information to make sound decisions, leading to the efficient distribution of funds, achieving their primary objective of benefitting stakeholders. Many of these funding decisions are based on data gathered by bureaucrats working with existing programs (Kelman, 2005; Lindblom, 1959). One way to access beneficiaries’ input is to engage interest groups through the lobbyists who represent them and serve as their voice This mechanism could convey information directly from interest groups to politicians and the state (Baumgartner et al, 2009)

Results

Discussion

Conclusion