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.
FD-TV’s own Tammi Arender caught up with Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.
November 13, 2025 12:05 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insights from a recent study, discusses EV market access in Canada, and highlights other market opportunities top of mind for Canadian producers.
November 12, 2025 03:19 PM
·
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom shares how recent trade talks are influencing U.S. red meat global sales and the importance of key trade agreements like the USMCA.
November 12, 2025 03:07 PM
·
Enforceable origin labels could create clearer premiums for U.S. cattle and address concerns some producers have had with competition from foreign imported beef.
November 12, 2025 12:39 PM
·
A court decision that overturns Enlist labels would remove two major herbicides from use and reshape EPA’s future mitigation policies for other pesticides.
November 12, 2025 12:27 PM
·
Rural businesses report softer sales, tougher hiring, and restrained investment — a backdrop that can pinch farm support capacity even if posted prices cool.
November 12, 2025 12:22 PM
·
A Reuters report shows China has a soybean “glut,” finding stockpiles at Chinese ports are at record levels, with crushers there holding the most supplies since 2017.
November 12, 2025 10:55 AM
·
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
November 11, 2025 03:50 PM
·
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
November 11, 2025 01:26 PM
·
