Thanks, Mr. Chair.
I want to start by saying thanks to all the panellists for joining us today. I really appreciate your organizations, the incredible work you do and all the of the stakeholders you represent who are essential to our food system.
Perhaps I could say to Mr. Lowe and Ms. Jackson to not get offended if I focus my questions on fruit and vegetables with Mr. Buy today. I do eat beef and enjoy it very much. Canadian beef is great, but I'm going to focus some questions on the briefing that Mr. Buy gave us.
I appreciate the comment that was made in the briefing note that 80% of Canada's fruit and vegetables are imported, which I found quite revealing and a bit shocking.
I think the opportunity, especially given comments made earlier about the food guide, certainly shows that a more sustainable diet includes eating more fruits and vegetables than the average Canadian does, generally speaking. I think it certainly goes without saying that we can have much more production of fruits and vegetables in Canada.
I note, Mr. Buy, that your briefing note expresses the opportunities for innovation within that, including vertical farming.
Have you done any research or innovation around import substitution and identified very specific categories of fruit and vegetables that we can grow here in Canada?