Federal Plastics Registry has new compliance requirement

Sep 16, 2025

The federal government has created new reporting requirements under its new Federal Plastics Registry. The registry is being phased in over a few years, however phase 1 requires Canadian brand owners to report on plastic packaging placed on the market by September 29, 2025, for the 2024 calendar year. Generally speaking, farms that are required to participate in Ontario’s modernized blue box program, will also be required to submit packaging data to this registry. Click here to learn more information about the registry. The portal to submit the required data to Environment and Climate Change Canada is here: https://rfp-fpr.ec.gc.ca/en/.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has developed a guidance document to support brand owners in navigating the registry and its requirements. The final page of the document outlines the ability to request an extension of the reporting deadline, which could be useful under the tight timelines to report.

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association (OFVGA) remains concerned about the implications of the federal plastics registry, including the increased administrative and cost burdens being created for fruit and vegetable farmers and the value chain. These concerns are being actively raised with the federal government.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.