Tariff Relief Funding for OPMA Members
Source: OPMA Member Update – August 31, 2026: “We know the past few days have been incredibly stressful. Navigating a 50 per cent tariff on $27.6 billion of Canadian goods is an unprecedented challenge, and we want you to know that the OPMA is standing right beside you on the front lines of this economic shock.
Collapsed negotiations threaten severe disruptions to farm-to-gate economics and seasonal machinery imports. You cannot afford to wait for governments to compromise.
The government announced the Canada Strong Response Plan to support Canadian workers and businesses affected by US. tariffs. This plan includes targeted counter-measures and a $7.5 billion worker support package.
In this announcement, the Minister of Finance also highlighted the government’s intention to match the U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar, effective September 8th. This includes up to 15%, 25%, or 50% of counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion in US imports on similar Canadian products to match US measures. They also indicated a strategic approach to place political pressure on certain US states and their exports.
While we can’t control the cross-border negotiations, we can control how we defend our businesses. We analyzed the federal government’s new $7.5 billion package of measures and there are five specific relief streams you can apply for immediately to protect your margins:
Need immediate working capital? Access the BDC Pivot to Grow Program. The revenue requirement has been lowered to $1 million.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/08/support-for-canadian-workers-and-businesses-affected-by-us-tariffs.html
Running a small-to-medium enterprise? Leverage the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) for crucial investment support.
Need to protect your workforce? Utilize the Rapid Response Supports suite to extend temporary EI benefits and keep your workforce intact.
Need long-term liquidity? Secure the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) facility. If you run a major operation, this locks in 36 months of liquidity with 15-year terms.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2026/08/support-for-canadian-workers-and-businesses-affected-by-us-tariffs.html
Have shovel-ready infrastructure? Apply for the Strategic Response Fund to support your planned diversification projects.
Do not delay your application. Apply for tariff relief funding now.
Let’s protect our sector together.”
The power of artificial intelligence (AI) and PICS – GrubMarket
Are you curious about how AI could work in your business?
In a previous message, we promised to explore the fast-moving world of AI and share practical tools and applications for the fresh produce industry. This time, we’re taking a closer look at GrubMarket AI and how its technology could help fresh produce businesses work smarter and more efficiently when integrated with PICS.
GrubAssist is a mobile-enabled, voice-powered suite of AI Analysts that retrieves information and gets you the business answers you need with a simple conversation. With GrubAssist you’ll have the power of AI at your fingertips and be able to:
- Gain valuable business insights
- Measure and evaluate performance
- Analyze and understand cash flow
- Identify anomalies and potential issues
- Streamline day to day operations
- Uncover new opportunities
AI Orders is an AI Agent that creates orders from voicemails, emails, and text messages.
Reporting AI Agent generates custom reports and emails them to the desired recipients.
Monitoring AI Agent gives you continuous passive monitoring of your business and operations, sending alerts when issues are detected.
Inventory Management AI Agent analyzes inventory restocking needs and automatically generates purchase orders.
Sales AI Agent conducts menu analysis and automatically builds price sheets for sales prospecting.
If you’re interested in seeing some of these capabilities firsthand, we’d be happy to arrange a demonstration. Simply let us know, and we’ll be in touch.
CPMA launches Harvest on the Hill
CPMA is launching its inaugural Harvest on the Hill, a two-day advocacy event that will take place November 24-25, in Ottawa bringing together industry leaders, Parliamentarians and senior officials.
Building on the success of past Fall Harvest events, this new event will put fresh produce priorities front and centre through targeted government meetings, timely speaker sessions and an evening networking reception.
Learn more and register: https://cpma.ca/events/advocacy-events/harvest-on-the-hill/
[Source: CPMA Member Bulletin August 18, 2026]
