Fresh produce industry body calls for protection of tariff-free trade ahead of CUSMA review
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has warned that ongoing trade disputes and geopolitical tensions with the US are a threat to the two countries’ fresh produce trade, as well as to Canada’s food security.
Speaking at its 2026 Fresh Future Conference in Ottawa, the organisation’s newly appointed chair David Dubé urged the Canadian government to defend open and free trade, and help exporters to pursue opportunities in new markets.
“Canada’s fresh produce industry is an integral part of a global supply chain that is deeply interconnected making international trade essential,” he told the audience. “The ongoing trade instability with our largest partner, the United States, puts both Canada’s food security and the long-standing produce trade relationship between the two countries at risk.”
With a joint review of the current Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) trade pact due to get underway at the start of July, Dubé said it was vital to maintain an open market environment for fresh produce.
Fresh produce industry members in Canada continue to advocate for a robust North American free trade agreement, one that safeguards “significant gains” made in recent years and maintains tariff-free trade for all of their products.
“As the government reviews the CUSMA agreement, our industry is calling for the protection of free and fair international trade and the removal of regulatory and infrastructure barriers holding back market diversification with other key markets.”
CPMA members have also urged government officials to invest in critical food security infrastructure, to strengthen the country’s agri-food value chain and to ensure that all communities across the country have access to a variety of nutritious food.
This includes prioritising the National School Food Program, investing in regional food hubs such as the Ontario Food Terminal, and establishing a dedicated Trusted Trader pilot programme for perishable food, the association noted.
The event also featured a fireside chat between CPMA president Ron Lemaire and Steve Verheul and Ken Smith-Ramos, former chief trade negotiators for Canada and Mexico respectively, who shared their insights on the future of fresh produce trade in North America.
As part of its advocacy efforts, CPMA also hosted a networking reception attended by Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, alongside other parliamentarians, staff and government officials.
