Reactions are mixed from the produce industry around Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal Party winning the 2025 federal election Monday night. "He's a seasoned businessman and a financial expert that is better able to deal with President Trump than a career politician would be able to," says Alex Zenebisis of Eagle Export, Inc./Alcaro Farms. "I doubt that two head-strong, right-winged Conservatives would be able to come to a reasonable trade agreement that will benefit both countries. I think a Liberal businessman and a Conservative businessman might be able to come to a reasonable agreement without a screaming match erupting."
Indeed, U.S. President Donald Trump was a key part of Carney's election campaign. "It seems like this election was more about nationalist pride than anything else," said Rod Baeini of Accu-Label Inc. "Canada has become more united against Trump's actions and comments. Tariffs and mentions of being the "51st state" have only brought the country together but many are still divided over internal policies and direction as the election results showed."
At the Ontario Apple Growers (OAG), the election outcome is being met with cautious optimism. "We're hopeful that the newly elected federal government will recognize the importance of agriculture - and especially horticulture - in both food security and the economy. We look forward to working with the government to bring real support for growers," said Chris Hedges, OAG Chair.
However, others say it's too early to tell what this government means for the produce industry. "Tariff talk will dictate the future of the industry. Will we be imposing tariffs on food that can't be grown in Canada and those items become unaffordable and luxury items? Will what we grow to become too costly to ship? I don't think anyone can answer that yet," Baeini says. "We are in the packaging industry. Our raw materials can't always be sourced in Canada. What implications will this have on suppliers who support the food industry?"
Photo: Liberal Party of Canada
Canada and tariff concerns
Back at the OAG, Hedges says the organization believes tariffs are counterproductive to both countries and is deeply concerned about their negative impact on consumers and businesses on both sides of the border. "In this context, the Canadian apple sector stands united in supporting retaliatory tariffs on imported apples and apple products from the United States, as well as strategic actions when necessary to protect Canadian industries," he says. "While the majority of our apple crop is sold domestically, the Ontario apple sector does export to several markets. We support fair trade agreements that open up new markets but also protect Canadian producers from being undercut by cheaper imports."
With such intense focus on tariffs and the relationship with the U.S., some in the industry lament the lack of focus on other areas of concern for the Canadian produce industry. "It's been a long time since we had a government that was really interested in produce in general," says Patrice Riendeau, Le Potager Riendeau Inc., adding that he heard little focus on agriculture from any of the candidates running in the election. "They are always very quick to say that we need to eat local, we need to protect our food supply. However in the end there's never much that is really being done."
There are other segments of the industry that Canadian growers and shippers would like to see the government focus on. "We're happy that the continuity of this government will allow for further work on developing due diligence guidelines for current supply chain legislation," said Jennie Coleman, president of Equifruit, noting the company also endorses CPMA's letter following Monday night's election and recommendations for priority actions.
Meanwhile, the OAG anticipates potential changes around business risk management programs to meet the changing needs of the fruit and vegetable sector, and with trade agreements.
Photo: Elections Canada
Grower supports needed
Hedges is also hopeful for a few other changes, starting with support for innovation and crop research, particularly related to pest and disease resistance. "Labour reform is key—we need a reliable, accessible, and fair Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Access to seasonal agricultural workers which is critical for our industry will likely remain a major point of focus. Additionally, we'd like policies that promote Canadian-grown apples and support domestic consumption," he adds, noting that the "Buy Canadian" consumer support has helped move the 2024 apple crop fairly quickly this winter. "We expect this positive momentum to continue into the upcoming crop year. While it's still early, we are optimistic and hopeful for a strong 2025 harvest."
The OAG is not the only organization to bring up innovation following the election. "The Liberal platform outlines initiatives to strengthen Canadian food security with promised investments in infrastructure and innovation. Growing in Ontario year-round requires significant investment," said Jennifer Pfenning, director of human resources, operations & marketing for Pfenning's Organic Vegetables Inc. "Targeted supports and incentives that promote year-round local food production are necessary for Canadian sovereignty. As is a plan to manage local food production sustainably long-term."
Sustainability is also a key area of focus. "PM Carney is well-known for his stance on climate and environmental issues. We hope that his government will recognize the important role that organic production and farming methods have in protecting nature through policies and programs that are developed to support the platform promises made to protect our water, other natural resources, and environment," added Pfenning.
For more information:
Alex Zenebisis
Eagle Export, Inc./Alcaro Farms
www.eaglexport.ca
Rod Baeini
Accu-Label Inc.
www.accu-label.com
Patrice Riendeau
Le Potager Riendeau Inc.
[email protected]
Chris Hedges
Ontario Apple Growers
www.onapples.com
Jennie Coleman
Equifruit
www.equifruit.com
Jennifer Pfenning
Pfennings Organic Vegetables Inc.
https://pfenningsfarms.ca/