The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) welcomed the Government of Canada’s announcement of the upcoming launch of the $1 billion Food-Link Fund, a core component of the National Food Security Strategy.
The association was pleased to attend the announcement made by the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure.
© CPMA
L-R: Jean Emmanuel Poitras, Food and Beverage Canada; Kristina Farrell, Food and Beverage Canada; Stephen Heckbert, FVGC; Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga; Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure; Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; Daniel Gobeil, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; Scott Ross, Canadian Federation of Agriculture; Shannon Sommerauer, CPMA; Erik Nielsen, FVGC.
The Food-Link Fund will invest in critical food security infrastructure through two streams:
- The Food Terminal Fund, which will support the development and expansion of wholesale food terminals.
- The Food Hub Program, which will support the creation and expansion of regional food hubs across Canada.
“The Food-Link Fund is an important step toward building a stronger and more resilient fresh produce supply chain,” said CPMA president Ron Lemaire. “Strategic investments in food terminals and regional food hubs will create new opportunities for businesses across the supply chain and support more efficient access to fresh fruits and vegetables for Canadians.”
Over the past year, the association has been advocating for federal support for the Ontario Food Terminal and regional food hubs. The investments announced are a strong reflection of these key association recommendations for government action to prioritize food production as a cornerstone of its Build Canada economic strategy.
“CPMA has consistently advocated for investment in the food system infrastructure needed to move fresh produce efficiently across Canada,” said Lemaire. “We look forward to continuing working with the Government of Canada and industry members across the fresh produce supply chain to support the successful implementation of the Food-Link Fund and the broader National Food Security Strategy.”
For more information:
Micken Kokonya
Canadian Produce Marketing Association
[email protected]
www.cpma.ca
