Canada revises regulations for produce grading and labelling

Oct 13, 2025

On October 8, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR), published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. The changes, introduced as part of CFIA's Red Tape Reduction initiative, aim to reduce regulatory burden while maintaining food safety and consumer protection.

The authority to maintain fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards (other than onions, potatoes and apples) has been transferred from the CFIA to the Fruit and Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation.

According to DRC president & CEO, Luc Mougeot, “The regulatory change related to fresh fruit and vegetable grade standards means these standards can be changed more quickly to meet the needs of the industry. This will encourage innovation, flexibility and competitiveness for the sector. Industry has encouraged and supported this change for some time and DRC welcomes the change and the opportunity to take on responsibility for maintaining certain grade standards.”

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.