CPMA leads successful government advocacy event, presses for free and fair trade and food security

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) held its 2026 Fresh Future Conference, a refreshed spring advocacy event that took place in Ottawa and brought together produce industry leaders, Parliamentarians and government officials.

Attendees addressed two critical challenges impacting both Canadians and the produce supply chain. The first was fresh produce trade. As the CUSMA/USMCA joint review deadline approaches, produce industry members advocated for a robust North American free trade agreement that safeguards the significant gains made for our industry and maintains tariff-free trade for all fresh produce commodities. 

The second topic of the evening was investment in critical food security infrastructure. CPMA members urged the Canadian government to strengthen the agri-food value chain and ensure that all communities across the country have access to a variety of nutritious food. Industry officials called on authorities to prioritize the National School Food Program, invest in regional food hubs such as the Ontario Food Terminal, and establish a dedicated Trusted Trader pilot program for perishable food. 

“Canada’s fresh produce industry is an integral part of a global supply chain that is deeply interconnected, making international trade essential,” says David Dubé, CPMA Chair. “The ongoing trade instability with our largest partner, the United States, puts both Canada’s food security and the long-standing produce trade relationship between the two countries at risk.

The executive added that, as the government reviews the CUSMA agreement, our industry is urging the protection of free and fair international trade and the removal of regulatory and infrastructure barriers that are holding back market diversification with other key markets. 

CPMA hosts a night to shape the industry

The event also featured a fireside chat between Ron Lemaire, CPMA President, alongside Steve Verheul and Ken Smith-Ramos, the former chief trade negotiators for Canada and Mexico, who shared their insights on the future of fresh produce trade in North America.

As part of its advocacy efforts, CPMA also hosted a networking reception attended by the Hon. Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, as well as other Parliamentarians, staff, and government officials. 

*All images courtesy of CPMA.

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