The Canadian Produce Marketing Association and the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada plan to hold a fall joint advocacy event, Fall Harvest 2024, Nov. 18-20, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Fall Harvest is an annual event that provides produce industry members with opportunities to meet with parliamentarians and other key government officials to discuss critical issues impacting the Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable sector. The fresh fruit and vegetable industry works to improve the health of Canadians while contributing $15 billion annually to the country’s gross domestic product and supporting over 185,000 jobs in communities, according to a news release.
“As we look ahead to a potential federal election, now is the time to ensure that the voice of the Canadian produce sector is heard in Ottawa and work with the government to establish practical solutions that will advance the industry’s competitiveness in the global marketplace,” the groups said in a statement.
The groups said this year’s edition of Fall Harvest will focus on how the federal government can support the industry in ensuring that Canadians continue to have access to safe and nutritious fruits and vegetables.
Topics of discussion will include improving access to labor, supporting the industry’s sustainability efforts, and establishing a financial protection mechanism for produce sellers through Bill C-280, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act, which has been a long-standing advocacy focus for both CPMA and FVGC, the release said.
