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Annual Fall Harvest advocacy event tackles issues in fresh produce sector

The annual Fall Harvest advocacy event recently took place, where the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) gathered with Parliamentarians to address key issues in the fresh produce sector.

In a recent release, FVGC highlighted the outcomes of the event, held in Ottawa from November 18-20.

The focus was on ensuring Canadian tables remain stocked with nutritious fresh fruit and vegetables despite the growing challenges facing the industry.

Both CPMA and FVGC representatives held meetings with Parliamentarians and senior officials, including Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. The discussions centered on advancing the priorities of Canada’s fresh produce sector and emphasizing the need to safeguard the nation’s food supply.

This year’s advocacy efforts focused on two key issues:

• Bridging the workforce gap: Representatives called for targeted solutions to attract and retain a reliable workforce across the supply chain, with an emphasis on ensuring the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) meet the sector’s unique needs
• Investing in data-driven sustainability solution: Representatives highlighted the need for strategic investment in a robust data strategy to support long-term sustainability.

“Ensuring a sustainable fresh produce sector requires a committed focus on workforce solutions and policies prioritizing food security. We are calling on the government to view all policies through a food lens—recognizing that every policy decision impacts Canadian farms and the nation’s food security,” said Marcus Janzen, FVGC president, in the release.

“With government support, our sector can continue to meet the demands of Canadians while overcoming the unique labour, environmental and market challenges we face.”

The event kicked off with a panel discussion featuring members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

The panel highlighted the need for strategic government investments and partnerships to enhance the long-term sustainability of Canadian agriculture, focusing on labour support, regulatory improvements and the importance of passing Bill C-2 to ensure financial protection for growers and sellers.

The panel was followed by a presentation by Mr. Coletto, who provided industry participants with insights into the political landscape in Canada.

On November 19, the two organizations hosted a reception, bringing together 250 Parliamentarians, officials, staff and industry representatives for an opportunity to connect.

“The fresh produce industry is a vital part of Canada’s economy, supporting jobs in rural and urban communities across the country – while also playing a pivotal role in our health and well-being,” said George Pitsikoulis, CPMA chair in the release.

“This week’s discussions with Parliamentarians and officials reinforced our commitment to ensuring Canadian families have access to nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables.”

More information can be found here.