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.
While the 2018 Farm Bill received an extension under the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act, the National Pork Producers Council wants lawmakers to do more to support the sector.
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