On May 17, 2023, Bill C-280, the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act, passed at Second Reading in the House of Commons. This bill will ensure that produce farmers have priority access to an insolvent buyer’s assets related to the sale of fresh produce.

“This is a great day for fresh fruit and vegetable growers right across the country,” said Scot Davidson, Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe. “We are one step closer to ensuring that Canada’s produce farmers are always paid for the fresh food they grow.”

Bill C-280 has been endorsed by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Holland Marsh Growers, and numerous national, regional, and industry-specific agricultural organizations who have all called for financial protection measures to address the unique challenges faced by the produce sector.

“With the limited deemed trust established by Bill C-280, we can strengthen Canada’s food security and ensure producers are more resilient to supply chain disruptions and other impacts. We can also ensure that nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables are more affordable and accessible for Canadians, and that our produce growers are more competitive in the global market,” Davidson said.

The bill was passed unanimously with the support of Members of Parliament from all parties. It will now be studied by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Source:  Office of MP Scot Davidson May 17, 2023 news release