You raised a major problem. With regard to labeling, if there is one thing that will probably be changed, it is that one.
I talk about producers and consumers coming together. Over the past few years, producers have collaborated with processors to try and reach the markets, the chain stores. However, we have come to realize that the chains have reach monstrous proportions. They are impenetrable. They form such a concentration of capital and purchasing power, all in order to buy at the lowest possible price. In that context, they are simply expanding their profit margin.
What I would have liked is, by way of adequate and mandatory regulations, to establish baselines and then come up with trademarks, labels, such as “Grown in Canada”, in order to distinguish our image and products from other farm goods. I hope that consumer associations will support us in the future so that we can have such strategies. To do so, we need laws or regulations.
Governments are there to regulate. Parties can develop strategies according to existing laws or regulations. That being said, the regulations are outdated, dating back 50 to 60 years, and are longer suited to present day trade rules in a globalized market. We really need to have new regulations that will help us develop strategies to bring producers and consumers together and, eventually, have a “Grown in Canada” label to promote our products. If we create mandatory regulations to protect the health of our citizens, then other foreign products respecting those health standards will enter Canada.
Given that, how can we promote Canadian producers? It is with a “Grown in Canada” label or trademark that we will develop and establish ties with consumer associations in order to promote our products. For the same quality, we will be telling people to buy from us first. In my view, that is the strategy of the future that we need, and it is up to you, as the government, to find the way to revitalize the agricultural sector.