Country’s fresh produce industry set to benefit from new financial support aimed at expanding export markets and overcoming transport challenges
Canada’s fresh produce business looks set to benefit from new financial support, as it looks to reduce its dependence on the US and explore new export opportunities outside North America.
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) said it was pleased that a newly unveiled government budget included various support mechanisms for the fruit and vegetable trade.
Announced on Wednesday by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, the 2025 Federal Budget makes several commitments previously recommended by CPMA. These include:
• Support for Canadian food companies to grow exports
• Investments in trade and logistics infrastructure
• Legislation and funding to establish a permanent school food programme
• New funding for food inspectors to help expand market access
Part of the commitment to logistics investment is the allocation of C$5bn over seven years for a new Trade Diversification Corridors Fund, which goes towards the development of trade-enabling transport infrastructure.
“Growing political uncertainty with our largest trading partner, a series of port disruptions, escalating severe weather events, and continuing consumer concerns about the cost of food have all contributed to significant challenges for the Canadian fresh produce sector,” commented CPMA President Ron Lemaire.
“We are pleased to see the government’s commitment to strategic investments in trade, transportation and other food system infrastructure and innovation to fuel sector growth, improve supply chain fluidity and maintain Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.”
CPMA said it would review the budget in more detail to assess its specific implications for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry, and how its members might access the new support.
“The fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain contributes C$18.6bn to Canada’s GDP, and supports more than 187,400 jobs in rural and urban communities across the country. We also provide Canadian families with safe and nutritious food that is crucial to supporting their health and well-being,” Lemaire added.
“We appreciate the government’s recognition of agri-food as key part of Canada’s competitive advantage. As it moves to implement the budget, we urge the government to make agriculture and food production a national priority in the government’s broader Build Canada economic strategy.”
