The Canadian Government has invested CAD$175,000 in a dispute resolution company for the produce sector, aiming to support the commercial strength of fruit and vegetable growers.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention, Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, announced the investment in the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC).

The DRC, which acts as a third party financial dispute resolution body, received an investment of CAD$118,795 to deliver an outreach and education initiative on the impending Safe Food for Canadians Act (SFCA) and Regulations.

An additional CAD$58,807 was provided under the same program to support the industry to initiate work toward updating the Canadian grade standards for fresh fruits and vegetables in order to reflect current market and consumer preferences.

"Our Government is committed to giving the horticulture industry in this province and across Canada the tools it needs to succeed and become even more competitive," Badawey said.

"These investments will help strengthen the commercial position of our fruit and vegetables growers, while contributing to our Government’s goal to grow Canada’s agriculture and food exports to $75 billion by 2025."

Canadian Produce Market Association (CPMA) president Ron Lemaire welcomed the move.

"The DRC is an important institution to support fair and ethical trading in the fast-paced fruit and vegetable market, and today’s funding announcement will support the supply chain," he said.

Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) executive director Rebecca Lee also supported the investment in outreach and education.

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