Bill C-280, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act, would establish a critical financial protection mechanism for fresh produce sellers in Canada in the case of buyer bankruptcy. Once passed, it would also open the door for the United States to reinstate preferential access for Canadian sellers to protection under the U.S. Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

Many horticultural organizations across Canada have agreed to support a joint letter to demonstrate the need for Bill C-280 to pass. The next step is letters from individual growers to their individual Member of Parliament (MP) to request that they support the Bill when it is up for debate in the House of Commons in fall 2022.

A number of resources are available:  

-  A dedicated C-280 website (protectproducesales.ca), developed as a central hub of information, tools and updates.

-  A template letter of support for members to use in their outreach to MPs (available on the "How can I help?" section of the website.)

-  An infographic outlining the importance of Bill C-280, which can be shared with MPs for further information (available on the "Why do we need Bill C-280?" section of the website.)

Do not hesitate to reach out to the Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association, Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada or Canadian Produce Marketing Association if you have questions.

Source:  Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Growers’ Association September 22, 2022