Canadian produce industry urges government to support its sustainability efforts

Canadian fresh produce industry leaders met with parliamentarians and government officials at the May 30 Farm to Plate 2023 held in Ottawa, Ontario.

The annual event, organized by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada, is designed to connect the produce industry with key decision-makers to discuss critical issues impacting the fruit and vegetable sector, according to a news release.

During the event this year, 30 industry members from across the country highlighted several key areas that affect the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the fresh produce sector, the release said.

The Canadian produce leaders urged the Canadian government to make agriculture and access to food a federal priority, support an effective sustainable agriculture strategy, and implement national agricultural labor and supply chain strategies to address labor shortages and supply chain challenges.

The produce industry also called upon parliamentarians to vote in favor of Bill C-280, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act, which passed the second reading in the House of Commons and has been referred to the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to connect with our elected leaders to discuss our industry’s priorities,” Colin Chapdelaine, CPMA chair, said in the release. “The produce industry plays an integral role in the Canadian economy and food supply chain. Our recommendations for the fresh fruit and vegetable sector aim to strengthen our supply chain, ensure food security, and support sustainable food production.”

The Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable sector has been at the forefront of implementing sustainable practices, FVGC President Jan VanderHout said in the release.

“By working together with government officials, we can develop strategies that promote an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable fresh produce industry in Canada," VanderHout said in the release.

Event participants met with 34 parliamentarians and government officials, including the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Stefanie Beck; Gudie Hutchings, minister of rural economic development; Rob Black, chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry; the office of the Leader of the Official Opposition; and many other ministerial offices, agriculture committee members, senior bureaucrats and officials, the release said.

In the evening, CPMA and FVGC hosted a reception at the Metropolitain Brasserie, which attracted over 150 industry members, government leaders and their staff, the release.