Jan 27, 2022
Key trade issues discussed by IFPA leaders, Canadian ag minister

On Jan. 27, International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel met with Canadian Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., to discuss supply chain issues critical to the fresh produce trade.

IFPA Co-Ceo’s Tom Stenzel and Cathy Burns pictured with Canadian Agricultural Minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Photo: IFTA

Among the topics explored were the very recent enforcement of vaccine requirements for non-citizen transportation drivers entering each nation, U.S. International Trade Commission investigations on the fruit and vegetable trade, as well as phytosanitary concerns like the presence of potato wart in Prince Edward Island.

“Canada is a key trading partner for the U.S. industry as both an importer and export market for fresh fruits and vegetables,” said IFPA’s Stenzel. “IFPA is committed to global engagement with international bodies to promote free and fair trade, international harmonization of standards, and worldwide growth in fresh produce consumption.”

Burns added, “This was a great opportunity to explore areas of collaboration and cooperation to ensure the movement of produce flows smoothly so that shoppers continue to have year-round choice in the marketplace. Trade barriers don’t just disrupt supplies; they disrupt lives.”

For more information about this meeting or IFPA’s work advocating on behalf of the produce and floral industries, contact Siobhan May, director of communications and public relations at IFPA.