In my experience as a supplier of produce to some of the big, giant grocery retailers, one thing that's an impediment for farmers on the farming end is that sometimes we have to wait 90 days just to receive payment for the goods we've shipped. We've shipped perishable products. That's another impediment to add to your list there.
When the retail grocery giants are asking for these increased fees or when they impose these monetary payments or penalties on suppliers, most of the time a supplier can take or leave the option. What happens, in my experience, is that if you say, “I'm not going to supply to you because I can't afford the increases”, you can lose your entire business. That would be the same with processors, because you're dependent on these giant retailers for your income.
I'm just wondering, is there currently an appetite among grocery retailers to discuss these fees and fines and their effects on Canada's food supply?