Stabilizing food prices; supporting the produce industry’s sustainability initiatives; and establishing financial protection measures for produce sellers were among the key topics of discussion at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada’s annual spring advocacy event, Farm to Plate 2024, in Ottawa, June 4, according to a news release.
The event brought together produce industry leaders who met with targeted stakeholders working on key issues for the fruit and vegetable sector to ensure that they are kept at the forefront of parliamentarian efforts, the release said.
“The produce industry plays a key role contributing nearly $15 billion each year to Canada’s GDP,” said George Pitsikoulis, CPMA chair. “This joint advocacy event provides us with unique opportunities to connect with elected federal leaders and voice our industry’s concerns. We are delighted with the productive discussions we had with government representatives and look forward to continued collaboration to address the industry’s challenges and enhance its global competitiveness.”
Industry participants met with representatives of the Senate, the House of Commons and the four major political parties, including Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food; Anita Anand, president of the treasury board; Sen. Rob Black, chair of the standing senate committee on agriculture and forestry; member of Parliament Kody Blois, chair of the House of Commons standing committee on agriculture and agri-food; Robert Ianiro, vice president of policy and programs at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency; and Evelyn Soo, executive director, food safety and consumer protection directorate.
“The regulatory burden and ongoing inflation are some of the critical issues threatening food security in Canada,” said Marcus Janzen, FVGC president. “As growers, it was crucial for us to engage with the government to find effective solutions that prioritize Canadians’ access to food, which is a basic human need. We need strategic support to stabilize food prices and ensure the sustainability of our industry.”
The day concluded with an evening reception for industry members, parliamentarians and their staff at the Delta Ottawa City Centre.
CPMA and FVGC are set to hold their next joint advocacy event, Fall Harvest, Nov. 18-20 on Parliament Hill.
