CPMA president Ron Lemaire says countries including Mexico could supply more produce to Canada if tariffs push up price of US imports
The North American fresh produce industry thrives on seamless trade, but recent tariffs are disrupting supply chains, increasing costs, and creating uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike.
Since 1 February, I’ve heard from industry leaders across Canada and globally, all asking the same question: How will Canada navigate these turbulent times? The answer is clear. Canadians are resilient, and we remain open for business.
Tariffs drive up import costs, impact long-term planning, and add complexity to an already competitive industry. With razor-thin margins, produce businesses across North America are facing difficult decisions on sourcing, pricing, and supply chain management.
As traditional trade patterns shift, countries such as Mexico, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Spain, Morocco, and Egypt have an opportunity to strengthen their presence in the Canadian market. Retailers, importers and foodservice providers are already exploring diversified supply chains to maintain access to fresh, affordable produce.
Higher import costs may accelerate investment in local production, including greenhouse expansion and season extension efforts. At the same time, shifting consumer preferences for locally grown produce are driving demand. Mainstream media, social media, government, and consumers are all hyper-focused on supporting Canadian-made products to navigate this challenge.
However, scaling up to meet these demands won’t happen overnight –especially in fresh produce, where we simply don’t grow the majority of the products consumers expect year round. Addressing this gap will require strategic investment, aggressive planning, and industry-wide collaboration.
Our focus at CPMA remains on advocating for free and fair trade across North America. We are actively engaging with government officials in Canada and the US to seek clarity on the application of these tariffs and to ensure that the voices of our members are heard.
We will continue to work closely with our colleagues across Canada, the US, and Mexico to navigate these challenges and mitigate their impact on the fresh produce sector.
While these times are uncertain, I have no doubt that our industry will adapt, innovate, and emerge stronger. CPMA will keep our members informed and advocate for solutions that support the long-term health of our supply chain.
Ron Lemaire is president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association.
