Mississauga, Ontario (May 25, 2021) — Agriculture, food, and consumer product leaders from eight leading associations today strengthened consensus for a legislated Grocery Supply Code of Practice for Canada to strengthen Canada’s self-reliance and food supply, jointly launching a new online hub to inform consumers and urge decision makers to restore fairness and accountability in relationships between large grocery retailers, farmers, and suppliers.

The seven associations joining in formal support for the Code first proposed by FHCP and Empire Company Limited (Empire) in March are: Canadian Health Food Association, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Dairy Processors Association of Canada, Canadian Beverage Association, Food Processors of Canada, Ontario Federation of Agriculture.  

FHCP CEO Michael Graydon commented: 
“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized more than ever that Canada cannot afford to continue allowing unbalanced relationships between large grocery retailers and their suppliers to weaken our food supply and self-reliance. Governments must legislate now to ensure basic fairness, correct this imbalance, and support Canadian farmers, manufacturers, jobs, and most importantly consumers.”

The principles, requirements, and dispute resolution mechanisms in the Grocery Supply Code of Practice for Canada will ensure transparency, predictability, and equity in the grocery supply chain, for example by requiring clear written agreements to protect suppliers from unfair unilateral changes and fees. Restoring fairness and accountability in grocery retail is also critical to protecting the more than one in eight Canadian jobs that depend on a strong grocery supply chain. 

The Code first proposed by FHCP and Empire has been shared extensively with  the Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture Working Group examining the issue, as well with the federal and provincial governments and elected officials. The Code is crafted to suit the needs of the Canadian market while taking lessons from relevant international precedent, most notably the UK Groceries Supply Code of Practice.

Learn more at: www.FAIRPracticeNow.com.

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For media inquiries, contact pressinquiries@fhcp.ca or Anthony Fuchs, +1 (416) 648-8808
 
About Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada
Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) is the voice of Canada’s largest manufacturing employer. The food, health, and consumer products sector employs more than 350,000 Canadians across businesses of all sizes that manufacture and distribute the safe, high-quality products that are at the heart of healthy homes, healthy communities, and a healthy Canada.  Visit OnEveryShelf.ca to learn more.