Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), represented the fresh produce supply chain as an active participant in the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) G7 shoulder event, the 2025 Americas Agriculture & Food Security Forum, which ran from June 16-17 in Olds, Alberta. CPMA’s participation was an important opportunity to underscore the critical importance of agriculture and the fresh produce supply chain as a cornerstone for economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social well-being for G7 member countries and the global community, and to emphasize the urgent need for tangible solutions to the industry’s challenges.
The G7, comprising some of the world's leading economies, holds a significant responsibility in shaping global policy and addressing pressing challenges. Agriculture, often seen primarily as a food source, is increasingly recognized as a multifaceted sector that drives innovation, creates employment, fosters rural development, and plays a vital role in climate resilience and biodiversity. The time for decisive action on agriculture and produce sector solutions is now.
"Agriculture is far more than just food production; it is the foundation of resilient economies, sustainable societies, and healthy communities," stated Ron Lemaire. "The IICA G7 shoulder event, the 2025 Americas Agriculture & Food Security Forum, offers a crucial opportunity to emphasize how strategic investment and collaborative policy-making can unlock the full potential of agriculture, addressing global food security, mitigating climate change impacts, and fostering inclusive growth. There is an urgent imperative for action to develop and implement solutions that will secure our agricultural future, aligning directly with CPMA's goals for a thriving and accessible produce sector."
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