CPMA survey identifies policymaking as most important factor in country’s produce business, ahead of crucial trade review
Permanent cost pressures mean Canada’s fruit and vegetable supply chains can no longer absorb additional shocks without there being an adverse impact on pricing and availability.
As a result, predictable, tariff-free trade has emerged as the number one priority for the country’s fresh produce business.
That was the main conclusion that came out of a recent member survey conducted by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), which also identified the preservation of tariff-free, predictable trade conditions as the single most important factor currently influencing the industry’s investment, contracting, and long-term planning decisions.
With the current trade agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico scheduled for review in early July – right in the middle of the three countries’ co-hosted FIFA World Cup – CPMA members said their future performance would depend “less on operational agility alone and more on stable, science-based, and commercially grounded policy frameworks”.
‘Meaningful advocacy’
During its annual general meeting on 8 April, the organisation reflected on a year it said was marked by strong governance, member engagement, and meaningful advocacy outcomes for Canada’s fresh produce sector.
Its leadership, including chair Steve Bamford and president Ron Lemaire, outlined key accomplishments delivered over the past year, despite the ongoing cost pressures, regulatory complexity, and global trade volatility.
CPMA, which now represents more than 900 companies across the fresh produce supply chain, has expanded its international engagement with support for trade missions, market development initiatives, and buyer outreach across key global markets.
It has also achieved some major breakthroughs, including the adoption into law of Bill C-280 (the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act), and the removal of select retaliatory tariffs that were adding cost and uncertainty for members.
During the AGM, leadership committee chair Angela Santiago confirmed the appointment of new directors to the association’s board. These were:
- Yan Branco, Sobeys
- Gary Cabral, Walmart Canada
- Michelle Loucks, Whole Foods Market
- Justin McGregor, Save-On-Foods
- Ezio Bondi, Bondi Produce & Specialty Foods
- Kendra Mills, PEI Potato Board
- Jennie Coleman, Equifruit Inc
- Jennifer Harris, Island Growers Cooperative
- Domenico Procopio, Courchesne Larose
- Chris Sarantis, Canadawide Fruit Wholesalers Inc
- Michael Catalano, POM Wonderful
- Amanda Knauff, Taylor Farms
- Jeff Madu, Windset Farms
