Bill C-280 Has Passed Third Reading
Great news! On Tuesday, December 10th, Bill C-280, Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act was passed at Third Reading in the Senate and is now waiting Royal Assent to become law. As you know, Bill C-280 establishes a critical financial protection mechanism, a deemed trust, for fresh produce sellers in Canada that will help secure payment in the case of a buyer bankruptcy. The OPMA and other associations and interest groups in the produce industry have been working together for several years to support this Bill’s passing.
[Source: OPMA’s Fresh Expressions – December Edition]
Recap of the IFPA Supply Chain of the Future Collabathon
“We wanted to share the excitement and energy generated as over 100 supply chain experts from across the globe came together to tackle the challenges facing the fresh produce industry. From thought-provoking discussions to collaborative brainstorming sessions, it was truly inspiring to witness the collective brainpower in the room.
Here are some of the highlights that have us buzzing:
- “Data doesn’t move food. Collaboration does.” – Steve Alaerts dropped this truth bomb, reminding us that partnerships are the key to a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.
- “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Christian Hernandez, a student attendee, captured the spirit of the event, emphasizing the importance of forward-thinking solutions.
- “Collaboration is the backbone of progress—fixing the problems with data flow alone won’t move food, but partnerships will.” – Martha King highlighted the power of teamwork in driving real change.
- “It was neat seeing the behind-the-scenes come to life, and witnessing the brightest minds in produce innovate and collaborate was truly inspiring.” – Student Julyessa Struckmeyer perfectly captured the excitement and potential of the event.
This is just the beginning of our global journey to revolutionize the fresh produce supply chain. Stay tuned for our international sessions taking place in January, bringing together even more brilliant minds from the EU, Asia, and Australia.”
[Source: December 9, 2024 email authored by: Drew Zabrocki, Managing Partner, TOTEM, Ltd.]
Congratulations to The OPMA’s 2024 Award Winners!
On behalf of everyone here at WaudWare, congratulations to all of this year’s award winners!
This year’s winners include:
- Fresh Award – Cristina Di lelsi – Taylor Farms
- Cory Clack-Streef Produce Person of the Year – George Gilvesy, OGVG
- Outstanding Achievement Award – Dr. Martin Gooch, VCM International
- Lifetime Achievement Award – The late Sal Sarraino, Fresh Taste Produce
- Women’s Produce Network Committee – Jessica Wynne, Pfenning’s Organic Farms and Jennifer Hatton, Sobeys
Learn more about each of the award winners: https://theopma.ca/33rd-annual-opma-gala-and-awards-ceremony-shines-a-light-on-the-ontario-produce-industrys-brightest-and-best/
The OPMA’s 2025 Event Calendar
Add these upcoming events to your calendar:
- Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – Women’s Produce Network (WPN) Summit (Location: TBD)
- Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – Annual General Meeting (Location: TBD)
- Wednesday, September 24, 2025 – Annual OPMA Golf Tournament (Lionhead Golf and Country Club)
- Friday, November 21, 2025 – Annual Awards Ceremony and Gala (Location: TBD)
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