OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - As we have seen, the topic of sustainability has stepped into the spotlight, and with its relationship to Mother Earth, the fresh produce industry has been at the forefront of the movement. To support the sector’s ongoing efforts, representatives from the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) met with 34 Parliamentarians and government officials at Farm to Plate 2023 in Ottawa, Canada.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to connect with our elected leaders to discuss our industry’s priorities,” said Colin Chapdelaine, CPMA Chair. “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.”

Farm to Plate is a CPMA and FVGC joint advocacy event held annually that focuses on connecting the produce industry with key decision-makers to discuss critical issues impacting the fruit and vegetable sector. According to a release, during the event, 30 industry members from across Canada highlighted several key areas that impact the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of the fresh produce sector.

Those presenting urged the 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.

“Sustainability is the foundation of our industry’s future, and the Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable sector has been at the forefront of implementing sustainable practices,” commented FVGC President, Jan VanderHout. “By working together with government officials, we can develop strategies that promote an environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable fresh produce industry in Canada.”

CPMA and FVGC are now looking forward to their next joint advocacy event, Fall Harvest, which will be held in fall 2023.

To read more about Farm to Plate 2023, click here.

As associations and companies across the fresh produce advocate for the industry, ANUK will be here to report the details.

Canadian Produce Marketing Association Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada