Canadian produce industry to hold virtual Farm to Plate advocacy event

Apr 28, 2021

Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and Canadian Horticultural Council (CHC) will hold a virtual format of their Farm to Plate advocacy event on May 31 and June 1, 2021. Farm to Plate is an annual event that gives produce industry members a chance to meet with Parliamentarians, Senators, and other key government officials, to discuss critical issues impacting the Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable sector.

This year’s edition of Farm to Plate will focus on how the federal government can support our industry now and ensure its success in a post-pandemic world. Topics of discussions will include establishing a financial protection mechanism, supporting industry’s sustainability efforts, improving access to labour, and much more.

“The produce supply chain plays a vital role in providing Canadians with safe and healthy food,” said Ron Lemaire, CPMA President. “Farm to Plate is an important platform that allows our industry members to engage with their leaders and voice their concerns. We are looking forward to having productive discussions with government officials about tangible solutions to support our industry.”

“After an extremely challenging year for Canadian fruit and vegetable growers we are all looking forward to better times ahead,” said Rebecca Lee, CHC Executive Director. “This event is an opportunity for conversations and learning around the government action needed for our sector to move forward and thrive again.”

Source : CPMA

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.