Canadian produce industry representatives met with more than 40 Parliamentarians and civil servants in Ottawa during Nov. 18-19 to discuss key issues such as financial protection for produce sellers and a national fruit and vegetable nutrition policy. 

In a release, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) described the meetings as essential for addressing issues that affect the health of the industry and consumers.

"All Canadians benefit from a strong and vibrant produce sector, which ensures the health and variety of our fruits and vegetables," said CPMA chair Bernadette Hamel.

"Members of Parliament understood this and were very committed to continuing their work with both industry associations and those growers or shippers who operate within their ridings."

CHC president Keith Kuhl said the presence of key officials demonstrated how important these issues were on a national level.

"We re-emphasized at every meeting that the federal government needs to implement a PACA-like trust in response to the United States’ removal of PACA preferential Canadian access in order to protect the wellbeing of the industry," Kuhl said.

"We also discussed the need for a national fruit and vegetable nutrition policy to drive Canadians to eat more fruits and vegetables.

"Most Canadians aren't eating enough produce and we need the federal government to take leadership in establishing a policy to improve the health of our population."

In 2013, the Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable sector supported 147,900 jobs and created US$11.4 billion (US$10.09 billion) in real GDP.

Photo: A Yee, via Flickr Creative Commons

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