Ministers are pleased that all major retailers have now joined the industry-led Grocery Sector Code of Conduct. The Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will be implemented by June 2025.
This working group was formed to improve pesticide management and gain insight into the regulatory decision-making processes on issues such as changes to the registration of lambda-cyhalothrin. The Action Plan focuses on: enhancing consultations, increasing the sharing of science and evidence-based information and expertise, and advancing research and knowledge transfer to support the adoption of effective, innovative and diverse pest control products and approaches, including biopesticides and other alternatives.
Specified risk material (SRM)
Ministers discussed considerations and possible approaches to harmonizing with the United States on the issue of material prohibited from animal feed (currently, SRM) and disposal requirements. They noted the need for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and cattle sector to continue working towards this objective, while ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place to protect animal health and food safety, as well as Canada's international trade reputation.
Honey bee imports
Ministers discussed the work that is underway on the CFIA risk analysis on the importation of honey bee packages from the United States. Once complete, the risk assessment and a risk management framework outlining the associated expectations for risk mitigation proposals will be consulted with the stakeholders. All risk mitigation proposals submitted to the CFIA will be reviewed to determine if they may significantly reduce the risk posed to Canadian bee health. Currently, the importation of honey bee packages from the United States is not permitted. The import status remains unchanged until all activities associated with the risk analysis are completed.
Interprovincial trade
Ministers raised issues related to administrative burden and highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with stakeholders to address these concerns. Ministers highlighted the progress made on several interprovincial trade pilots, such as the upcoming publication of a regulatory amendment related to the Lloydminster pilot, advancing work on a plan with Ontario and Quebec for slaughter availability, and exploring opportunities to support provincially regulated meat establishments seeking growth opportunities outside their province within Canada, such as "Ontario Ready to Grow." Ministers signaled interest in accelerating these efforts and exploring the possibility of additional interprovincial trade pilots. Any efforts in this area must protect Canada's food system, without compromising Canada's international trade agreements and market access opportunities.
AgriStability
Alberta is presently running a pilot to explore potential changes to the program to the benefit of livestock producers. The pilot is currently collecting data from producers. The results of the pilot will help to inform any future changes to AgriStability.
Emergency management
Ministers were apprised of efforts underway to renew the 2016 FPT Emergency Management Framework for Agriculture. This renewal will aim to help ensure an integrated and collaborative approach to dealing with emergencies impacting the full value chain. The updated framework stresses the need for enhanced collaboration, improved data sharing, and continued partnership with industry.
