New Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct Aims to Support Farmers and Supplier Transparency

Canada’s new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will take effect on Jan. 1, a goodwill effort to promote fairness and transparency between retailers and support farms that sell directly to stores.

OTTAWA, CANADA (RFD-TV) — A new voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct will go into effect January 1, aiming to make Canada’s retail food supply chain more transparent and fair—especially for farmers and suppliers.

The code applies to Canada’s highly concentrated grocery industry, where a few national chains dominate most of the market. While consumers shouldn’t expect immediate price changes, the guidelines are designed to improve business relationships between grocery retailers and their suppliers.

Supporters say the code could be particularly important for Canadian farmers who sell directly to grocery stores, as they often face challenges securing fair treatment or shelf space.

“There are farmers selling directly to grocery stores, and there are quite a few of those,” explains Karen Proud. “Understanding the Code and how it applies to them, I think, is really key. And this Code is really about the business-to-business relationships. We are here to help with providing resources to anyone who deals directly within the supply chain, to make sure they have the tools, within the Code, that are going to help them in their business dealings.”

The Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct, based in Ottawa, will oversee education, resources, and enforcement as the code officially takes effect in the new year. The code was developed over several years and aligns with similar grocery-industry standards already in place in countries like the U.K. and Australia.

Related Stories
Ranchbot Monitoring Solutions provides remote water-monitoring technology to help ranchers manage livestock water more efficiently.
The House Agriculture Committee is set to debate a new, “skinny” Farm Bill at the end of February, according to a release from Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson.
Regulatory uncertainty could slow the growth of fiber and grain hemp unless implementation is delayed.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln President Dr. Jeffrey Gold talks about heart health and preventive care for viewers in rural communities.
Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.
Mexico has fallen behind by several hundred thousand acre-feet in required water deliveries to the United States, a shortfall that has had devastating consequences across the Rio Grande Valley.
Purdue University Professor of Agricultural Economics Dr. Jim Mintert shares a closer look at farmer sentiment and the key issues shaping the agricultural economy in January.
Stronger U.S.-Guatemala trade rules favor dependable, regionally integrated supply chains — rewarding execution and commitment over cost-only sourcing.
Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.
Jones Hamilton Company shares insights on herd health, efficiency, and innovation for cattle producers this year at NCBA CattleCon in Nashville.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities discusses current farmer sentiment, trade considerations, and the market factors shaping the outlook for the upcoming planting season.
Student volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo are teaching visitors about agriculture through the FFA Children’s Barnyard ahead of the Junior Sale of Champions.
The fun continues in Nashville next year at CattleCon 2027!
Joined by her parents and sisters, we go beyond Kirbe’s job hosting FarmHER + RanchHER to discover the person and story behind the show.