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.
Record Australian exports and rising U.S. imports reflect continued tight domestic cattle supplies — a reminder that herd recovery remains key to balancing future beef prices.
October 23, 2025 11:56 AM
·
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.
October 23, 2025 11:24 AM
·
Bioethanol continues to gain ground as the bridge fuel connecting agriculture, aviation, and maritime industries in the global shift toward lower-carbon energy.
October 23, 2025 10:14 AM
·
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing now to make markets less volatile for ranchers over the long term and more affordable for consumers, according to a press release.
October 22, 2025 04:05 PM
·
Elizabeth Strom with the American Society of Farm Managers & Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) joined us to share the latest on harvest progress and market activity in her area.
October 22, 2025 03:12 PM
·
Lyndsey Smith with RealAg Radio discusses how global trade dynamics could shape the future of Canada’s pulse exports.
October 22, 2025 03:08 PM
·
“Farmers for Free Trade” warns that disaster is brewing as President Trump’s trade policy is causing farm input costs to rise even more.
October 22, 2025 12:07 PM
·
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
October 22, 2025 11:53 AM
·
October 21, 2025 06:18 PM
·