Global inflation is pressuring berry category

Jan 06, 2023

The international berry sector gathered at the Global Berry Congress in Rotterdam on November 15, 2022. For the first time since the event was organized, sentiment among participants was mixed rather than just very optimistic reported keynote speaker Cindy van Rijswick, RaboResearch Food & Agriculture.

Inflationary pressures for growers and distributors are not expected to end anytime soon. On top of that, consumer demand is likely to be affected by the inflationary environment. These challenges are prompting the berry industry to make the necessary changes to future-proof the berry sector, focusing on quality rather than quantity going forward.

In her talk, van Rijswick predicted that new varieties with more flavour will be needed to keep consumers spending. Growers need to use less plastic for packaging to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.

Source : The Grower

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.