Agriculture committee  In B.C. we have a program called “agriculture in the classroom”. It basically coordinates primary production to elementary and middle school classrooms. In addition to that, we also have what we refer to as the buy B.C. program that encourages public institutions, schools included, to purchase local production.

Agriculture committee  I would concur with those comments. I think at some point, there has to be a more fixed timeline to put this in place. I believe if there's a political will, there's a way.

Agriculture committee  I'm hard pressed to suggest that the greenhouse industry has the potential to completely disconnect from fossil fuels in the next 10 years. That being said, I think there are some very promising opportunities when it comes to plant genetics—plant genetics that are more energy efficient and still can be grown in a northern climate.

Agriculture committee  That didn't come through.

Agriculture committee  Yes. I think that, if participants can't all come to a consensus, the only choice for the industry would be to make it mandatory. I recognize the challenges we would have working across different provinces. Just because it's complicated doesn't mean it can't be done and isn't the right thing to do.

Agriculture committee  I think that, at the end of the day, we would like serious consideration to be given to its being legislated.

Agriculture committee  I think the industry is very willing to look at science-based opportunities to reduce plastics. I think we've seen that already in the last 10 years—for example, with lower-profile clamshell containers that use less plastic. I think the industry's perspective would be that we need a better system, not only to reduce plastic use but also to reuse it.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. My name is Marcus Janzen and I have the privilege of serving as the vice-president of the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada. I also, during the day, have a pepper greenhouse just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, in Abbotsford. I'm here before you to discuss the pressing issue of stabilizing food prices in Canada, a concern that deeply affects Canadian fruit and vegetable growers, as well as all Canadian citizens.