Ottawa, ON – Canada’s Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture and Food announced yesterday their vision to support a ‘Made in Canada’ Food Industry Code of Practice. The news was welcomed by the Canadian fruit and vegetable supply chain representing major growers, shippers, packers, transporters, brokers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers and exporters, fresh cut operators, foodservice distributors, operators, and processors that integrate all segments of the fresh produce industry.
The national and provincial produce marketing associations commend the FPT Working Group’s report which confirms the benefits of a Canadian Food Industry Code of Practice that focuses on a transparent, collaborative, and industry-led approach. This guidance aligns perfectly with the submission presented to the Ministers by the Canadian Food Industry Collaborative Alliance.
The Canadian Food Industry Collaborative Alliance identified and built industry principles and key elements that must be embedded in a Canadian Food Industry Code of Practice including:
- Ensuring transparency and contractual certainty in all commercial transactions.
- Ensuring best practice reciprocity throughout the supply chain.
- Promoting fair and ethical dealings in contract negotiations, particularly where there is a significant disparity in negotiating power between the parties.
- Ensuring equitable distribution of food supply.
- Supporting small and medium-sized parties to commercial transactions.
- Providing a fair, effective, and applicable dispute resolution process.