Blogs

CPMA Member Bulletin: Fall Harvest Event a Tremendous Success for our Industry

By User Admin posted 11-16-2017 15:56

  
français
November 16, 2017

Fall Harvest Event a Tremendous
Success for our Industry


On November 7 and 8, industry leaders representing CPMA and the Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) met with over 50 Parliamentarians and civil servants in Ottawa to discuss key issues currently affecting the Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable sector.

Notably, CPMA and CHC representatives addressed the need for continued free and fair trade agreements with new and emerging markets to support industry, and advocated for the adoption of an integrated and collaborative approach to increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in a new Food Policy for Canada. Both issues are critical for the industry, and have severe implications on the cost and quality of produce, the health of Canadians, and Canada’s potential for economic growth, especially within the context of current NAFTA renegotiations.

The following policy statements were provided to Parliamentarians and civil servants: “The fresh fruit and vegetable industry plays a significant role in supporting Canada’s goals to provide safe, affordable, and accessible product year round. The produce supply chain had an estimated economic impact of $15.7 billion in real GDP and supported 181,566 jobs in 2016, all the while encouraging healthy eating habits,” states Rick Alcocer, CPMA Chair.
 
“Good health starts with what we put in our bodies, and we know that the healthiest foods are fruits and vegetables,” states Alvin Keenan, CHC President. “The federal government needs to assume a leadership role in offering accessible fruit and vegetable options to all Canadians, from coast to coast to coast.”
 
Following these productive meetings, CPMA and CHC hosted a reception featuring Half Your Plate Ambassador Chef Michael Smith. This well-attended event featured a food demonstration with Chef Michael and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and provided representatives of the produce industry a more informal environment to network and cement relationships with Parliamentarians and their staff.
 
We look forward to returning to the Hill in 2018!
Other photos of the event are here.
0 comments
78 views

Permalink