The Ontario Produce Marketing Association is aware of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) decision to discontinue the Destination Inspection Service (DIS) as part of the federal government’s budgetary measures.

As Rebecca Harris, OPMA president, reports, “We recognize that DIS plays a critical role across the fresh produce supply chain - supporting fair transactions, market stability, and confidence for both domestic and international trade. The potential loss of this service raises serious concerns for importers, exporters, growers, shippers, and receivers alike, including increased market uncertainty, pricing risk, and potential impacts on supply reliability.” 

While no immediate changes are being implemented, the eventual loss of DIS could:

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• -  Increase risk and uncertainty when buying, selling, or shipping produce, both domestically and internationally
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• -  Reduce access to a trusted, government-backed inspection mechanism that supports fair value assessment and dispute resolution
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• -  Create additional cost pressures and potential pricing volatility throughout the supply chain
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• -  Impact confidence in interprovincial transactions for Ontario growers, packers, and shippers

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), in collaboration with industry leadership, has already engaged directly with the CFIA, the Minister of Agriculture, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and other federal decision-makers to clearly articulate the importance of DIS. This includes highlighting its long-standing role in preventing inflationary pressures, supporting interprovincial trade for Canadian growers, and underpinning Canada’s broader commercial and trade framework — including alignment with the U.S. Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

At this time, CFIA has indicated that the discontinuation of DIS will not take effect immediately, and no firm implementation timeline has been provided. OPMA is closely monitoring developments and remains engaged with CPMA to ensure Ontario’s produce sector perspectives are well represented as discussions continue.

 

Source:    Ontario Produce Marketing Association January 30, 2026 member bulletin