As Parliament reconvenes on January 29, the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) extends a warm welcome to all 337 Members of Parliament and 97 Senators, acknowledging the significant presence of fruit and vegetable growers within their ridings and regions.

In 2023, Canadian fruit and vegetable growers faced unprecedented challenges due to extreme weather events nationwide. These adverse conditions have not only tested the resilience of growers but also highlighted the critical need for government collaboration to support them. As Canadians grapple with the escalating cost of living, the importance of growers in offering affordable, nutritious produce becomes increasingly vital. This is more than an agricultural issue; it directly impacts the everyday expenses of Canadians.

Jan VanderHout, FVGC president, is urgently calling on Parliament to respond immediately to three key legislative priorities.

1.  For the House of Commons to resist any delay tactics and immediately pass Bill C-234 in its original form. “Canadian farmers need immediate relief”, stressed VanderHout. “Providing a full carbon tax exemption for farmers, which would allow critical investment in environmentally friendly technologies, is the absolute best way to ensure food security for all Canadians.

2.  For the Senate to swiftly pass Bill C-280. “This is neither a complicated nor a controversial piece of legislation,” commented VanderHout. “The fact that the Bill had nearly unanimous consent in the House of Commons says a lot. Establishing a deemed trust for all fresh produce sellers will help to ensure support of local economies across Canada. Unnecessary delays will limit Canadians getting access to safe, nutritious fruit and vegetables.” 

3.  For the Ministers of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Innovation, Science and Industry to facilitate an agreement with the five major Canadian grocers to sign on to the Grocery Industry Code of Conduct. “In every survey and poll, cost of living remains the number one priority for every Canadian family – the Code will go a long way to stabilize incomes of growers, and sustain production of produce, all of which will ultimately benefit Canadian consumers in what they pay,” said VanderHout.

Source: Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada January 29, 2024 news release