And then call it “Product of Canada“.
Evidence of meeting #12 for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was program.
Evidence of meeting #12 for Agriculture and Agri-Food in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was program.
11:25 a.m.
President, British Columbia Fruit Growers' Association
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I thought all along, with the huge discussion that happened country-wide with Product of Canada labelling, that was mainly looking at the processing side, because when it came to apples or fresh vegetables, wherever they came from--it was already in our regulations--they had to be labelled with the country of origin.
The big problem we have right now is that CFIA is not enforcing the fresh fruit and vegetable regulations at the retail level.
I know it's a question of resources, but it would sure be nice if we had someone going around covertly and doing a crackdown, and suddenly the word would spread throughout the retail sector that someone may show up and do an inspection, and if you've mislabelled your product on the shelf, you'll be subject to a huge fine from the federal government.
Enforce the fresh fruit and vegetable regulations and you will see the retailers come into compliance once and for all.
Thank you.
11:25 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
That is supposed to be happening now.
Anyway, we have to get on a bus, as I understand it.
Mr. Cannan, since you call this home, we're going to give you the last comment before we adjourn.
11:25 a.m.
Conservative
Ron Cannan Conservative Kelowna—Lake Country, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I too would like to thank each one of you. I know you're very busy in your farm lives and you are passionate about your industry. We thank you for sharing your time and your concerns and your ideas and input so we can have a healthy, sustainable agricultural community.
I'd like to thank the members of the audience. I notice some representatives from the federal government's sterile insect release program and also Ms. Mohini Singh from the provincial government. Agriculture Minister Thomson has been working hard for B.C., and we are going to work together, all levels of government, so we can have a healthy and sustainable food supply for our community here and in our country.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. We look forward to visiting Nick's orchard this afternoon and having a chance to tour around there and another orchard, as well as a winery. We'll see some other segments of our agriculture community. I'm sure you'll feel the passion and the need for all levels of government working together with industry.
Thank you.
11:30 a.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Larry Miller
Thank you again to all of you as witnesses for coming here today. Coming from the producer side in agriculture, I know how busy all of you are and how hard it is to take a morning off. I know some of you came a long way and we appreciate that. Thanks again.
Members, we do have to be on the bus. It has to be moving at 11:45 a.m., so grab your bags and run.
Again, thanks very much for having us here in Kelowna.
This meeting is adjourned.