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.
Farmers may benefit from higher turkey prices this holiday season, but risks from HPAI and limited poult placements could further strain the supply.
September 23, 2025 10:35 AM
·
According to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report for 2022-2023, food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S.
September 22, 2025 01:49 PM
·
Cindy Kovar with AgriSafe joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to talk about road safety and agriculture as we age.
September 22, 2025 01:06 PM
·
Higher tariffs may shield some U.S. crops but risk retaliation, lost markets, and higher costs for growers. The WTO disputes highlight the fragile balance between trade policy, farm exports, and input supply chains.
September 22, 2025 12:39 PM
·
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
September 22, 2025 11:10 AM
·
Lawmakers and ag industry groups welcomed the confirmations, citing the direct impact of these leaders on western ranchers, water and land management, conservation programs, and regulatory reform.
September 19, 2025 01:21 PM
·
More than 100 pork producers traveled to Washington to meet with lawmakers and underscore the threat to small family farms.
September 19, 2025 12:04 PM
·
According to the National Council of Farmers Cooperatives (NCFC), President and CEO Chuck Conner says, there is only one other option besides addressing ag labor shortages.
September 18, 2025 01:10 PM
·
For rural communities, this shift could mean new housing options for farmworkers and young families priced out of metro markets.
September 18, 2025 11:37 AM
·
