Canadian Produce Marketing Association Focuses on Solutions in the Produce Industry; Ron Lemaire and George Pitsikoulis Explain
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Kelowna, British Columbia, hosted a flurry of activity recently, as the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) successfully concluded its Semi-Annual Board and Committee Meetings. A key outcome of the meetings was the approval of CPMA’s updated Sustainability Strategy, which builds on the Association's efforts over the past four years to increase the adoption of sustainable packaging across the produce industry.
“CPMA continues to serve as a true solution space for our members in Canada and the global produce community,” said Ron Lemaire, President. “While CPMA has always played this role, the Board has confirmed its commitment to move forward and reinforce this value for the industry. This focus will be integrated into all our activities and initiatives for members.”
Set to launch in November 2024, the comprehensive strategy will focus on four key priorities:
- Increase adoption of sustainable fresh produce packaging
- Minimize fresh produce food loss and waste
- Minimize the carbon footprint of fresh produce supply chains
- Promote the harmonization of fresh produce sustainability practices
The Sustainability Strategy identifies the need to support and collaborate with key produce stakeholders to help advance essential sustainability outcomes, including:
- Water stewardship
- Soil health
- Biodiversity and agrobiodiversity
- Supply chain adaptation to climate change
- Financial vibrancy and resiliency
- Sustainable finance
“CPMA has been the voice for the Canadian produce industry for 100 years,” added George Pitsikoulis, CPMA Chair. “Since its founding, the organization has been proactive and at the forefront of the industry’s emerging needs which has contributed to making the Canadian produce industry one of the most dynamic marketplaces across the world.”
In addition to the Board meetings, CPMA's committees including education, marketing and promotions, member services, CPMA’s Government Issue Management, and CPMA’s Industry Technology Advisory Committee (CITAC) met to frame strategies for 2025, a press release explained.
Reusable Plastic Containers (RPC) were also on the agenda at CITAC’s meeting, given the anticipated expansion of their use by some of Canada’s largest retailers.
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