OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Bringing together produce industry leaders, government officials, and Parliamentarians, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) held their Fall Harvest 2022 annual event. Attendees gathered to discuss vital issues impacting the produce supply chain and Canadians’ access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Fifteen point nine percent of Canadian households experienced food insecurity in 2021 as highlighted in a recent report by PROOF,” said Mario Masellis, CPMA Chair. “This is, in part, a result of challenges impacting our supply chain. By acting on the industry’s proposed recommendations, the government will strengthen our food system, facilitate Canadians’ access to food, and enhance the produce industry’s competitiveness on a global scale.”

This was the first in-person event following three years of federal elections and virtual events, a release stated. Fall Harvest 2022 featured Ottawa-based journalist and CBC’s At Issue panelist Althia Raj as a speaker, and successfully brought together 32 industry representatives and 36 Parliamentarians and officials.

This year’s discussions focused on:

• Prioritizing food production and access to food in legislation, policy, and crisis management
• Seeking support from all Members of Parliament for Bill C-280, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act
• Addressing the ongoing supply chain disruptions and chronic labor shortages in the produce sector and more

“The government can make food security a priority, by ensuring that policy and legislation are viewed through a food lens, to support a strong and financially viable produce industry. Everybody wins when Canadian growers are able to afford to run their businesses and provide a secure and stable source of nutritious food for Canadians,” said Jan VanderHout, FVGC President. “Fall Harvest 2022 was a great opportunity to demonstrate to Parliamentarians the importance of legislation like Bill C-280, which would ensure that growers get paid even in the event of a buyer bankruptcy.”

To learn more about the event and those who attended, click here.

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Canadian Produce Marketing Association Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada