CPMA advocates for fresh produce priorities in federal election

Mar 25, 2025

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association is advocating for fresh produce industry priorities to be front and centre in the federal election campaign. Canadians will go to the polls on April 28th.

“Ongoing political uncertainty with our largest trading partner, a series of recent port disruptions, escalating severe weather events and continuing consumer concerns about the cost of food have all contributed to significant challenges for the Canadian fresh produce sector,” said CPMA chair George Pitsikoulis. “It is imperative that, in this campaign, all parties articulate their plan for how they will help Canadian businesses thrive and ensure that we can continue to provide our safe, nutritious products for tables here at home and around the world.”

CPMA has been actively engaged with all political parties, to highlight recommendations for party platforms in five priority areas, including:

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.