CPMA Innovation Zone Company Spotlight

In this episode, we hear from different innovative companies and incubators about their products and how they have benefited from the Innovation Zone at the CPMA Convention and Trade Show.

The first part features Mike Mauti interviewing Denise VanderVeen of CleanWorks, a produce innovator, and Andrew Wylie of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre.
www.cleanworkscorp.com
www.vinelandresearch.com

In the second part, Mike Mauti interviews Mike Meinhardt of Provision Analytics, also a produce innovator, and Heather Marshall from the Creative Destruction Lab, an incubator affiliated with the University of Calgary and the University of Toronto that supports companies and their new technologies.
www.provision.io
www.creativedestructionlab.com/locations/calgary

Listen to the end for this month’s episode of Industry Insights as Mike Mauti shares more current statistics from the Canadian consumer market.

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Thank you to our podcast series sponsor, Nature Fresh Farms.

CPMA Produce Champion MP Kody Blois

This episode features CPMA President, Ron Lemaire, CPMA Board Member, Kendra Mills of the PEI Potato Board, and the 2023 CPMA Produce Champion, Member of Parliament (MP) Kody Blois, in a discussion about opportunities and key challenges within the fresh produce sector in Canada, and how Members of Parliament can help advance the goals of the Canadian agriculture sector.

MP Blois has been the Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants, Nova Scotia since 2019. He was recognized as the 2023 CPMA Produce Champion for his ongoing contributions to advancing the priorities of CPMA members and the broader Canadian agricultural sector.

In addition, we've added a new segment to each of our monthly episodes called Industry Insights. Listen to the end of the podcast as Mike Mauti shares some current statistics from the Canadian consumer market.

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Thank you to our podcast series sponsor, Nature Fresh Farms.

Produce Talks: Between Two Chairs

In this episode, we’re excited to present the annual “Between Two Chairs” podcast. Ron Lemaire shares stories with the previous CPMA Chair Mario Masellis and current CPMA Chair Colin Chapdelaine. Mario is with Catania Worldwide and Colin Chapdelaine is with the Star Group. Listen as they tell us where the industry is going and how sustainability and innovation are keys to the future of the produce industry.

We've added a new segment to each of our monthly episodes called Industry Insights. Listen to the end of the podcast as Mike Mauti shares some current statistics from the Canadian consumer market.

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Thank you to our podcast series sponsor, Nature Fresh Farms.

Cybersecurity Awareness for the Produce Industry

October is Cybersecurity Awareness month in Canada. We welcome Johnny McGuire and Eric Regnier who are representing the Produce Supply Organization. The PSO is a not-for-profit organization that was established to help suppliers in the produce industry understand and use technology effectively. We have a discussion about cybersecurity and what organizations need to know and what they should be doing to combat the many cyber threats that exist today.

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Thank you to our podcast series sponsor, Nature Fresh Farms.

CPMA would also like to acknowledge Fresh from Florida as a sponsor of this podcast.
       

Produce Champion MP Scot Davidson and Financial Protection Bill Panel

In this episode, CPMA President, Ron Lemaire and CPMA Chair, Mario Masellis of Catania Worldwide welcome the 2022 CPMA Produce Champion, Scot Davidson, the Member of Parliament (MP) for York-Simcoe.

CPMA’s annual Produce Champion award is given to one or more Members of Parliament and/or a Senator who have been supportive of the produce industry and effective at bringing industry issues to the forefront on Parliament Hill.

In the second part of the podcast, Ron Lemaire leads a panel of discussion consisting of Quinton Woods of Gwillimdale Farms, Fred Webber, former CEO of DRC, Guy Milette of Courchesne Larose, and Colin Chapdelaine of Star Produce. The panel discusses the Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act (C-280), which was recently introduced in the House of Commons by MP Scot Davidson, the history and the importance of this bill, and how people can get involved to support it through the legislative process.

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Thank you to our podcast series sponsor, Nature Fresh Farms.

CPMA would also like to acknowledge Fresh from Florida as a sponsor of this podcast.
       

Supply Chain Disruptions – Retail Perspectives

In this episode, we feature a recording of a Learning Lounge from the recent CPMA Convention and Trade Show. As we come out of the global pandemic, the disruptions in the supply chain are still a stress on the produce industry. Listen to some of the buyers for Canadian retailers to learn how they’ve had to adjust and how their expectations are shifting for today and into the future.

Moderator:
Mario Masellis – Catania Worldwide

Panelists:
Steve Boulianne – Metro
Zack Jones – Save-On-Foods
Jeff Fowler – Sobeys
Emily Vosburgh – Gordon Food Service
Mimmo Franzone – Longo Brothers Food Markets

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Thank you to our podcast series sponsor, Nature Fresh Farms.

CPMA would also like to acknowledge Fresh from Florida as a sponsor of this podcast.
       

Between Two Chairs

CPMA President Ron Lemaire chats with past Chair Guy Milette of Courchesne Larose and current Chair Mario Masellis of Catania Worldwide. This annual Between Two Chairs special features them talking about the current produce industry challenges and issues and how our industry helps consumers continue to enjoy fresh produce in these challenging times. They also discuss their other activities during the past year including the successful in-person Convention and Trade Show in Montréal and they look forward to our next annual Convention and Trade Show in Toronto in April, 2023.

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Thank you to our podcast series sponsor, Nature Fresh Farms.

CPMA would also like to acknowledge Fresh from Florida as a sponsor of this podcast.
       

Whole Genome Sequencing

In this episode of Produce Talks, Jeff Hall (CPMA’s Food Safety Specialist) talks to Dr Lawrence Goodridge and Dr Jeffrey Farber, both from the University of Guelph about the history and the technology of Whole Genome Sequencing. Jeff discusses this technology and how industry can apply it to food safety with Afreen Malik, Director of Science Programs at Western Growers.

Whole Genome Sequencing occupies a more important role in foodborne outbreak investigations, but many people don’t understand what it is or its history. Jeff will ask these experts to explain the technology and discuss the implications for industry.

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Thank you to our podcast series sponsor, Nature Fresh Farms.

       

Ambassador of Colombia Jorge Londono

In this podcast we welcome Mr. Jorge Londono de la Cuesta who has been the Ambassador of Colombia to Canada since November 2020. Ambassador Londono speaks with CPMA President Ron Lemaire about the economic opportunities in his South American country. He also talks about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and how his country is recovering economically. Listen to hear Ambassador Londono share his insights and his country’s trade goals and the opportunities for Canadian produce companies in Colombia.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsors, Nature Fresh Farms and Fresh From Florida.

                 

Produce & Politics: Federal election 2021 and current issues facing the fresh produce supply chain in Canada

This edition of Produce Talks is a recording of our October webinar on the 2021 federal election results and the impact on the fresh produce industry. David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, shares his election analysis and insights, followed by a roundtable discussion with industry leaders on issues requiring federal government action. Current issues such as supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, sustainability, and the need for a Canadian financial protection tool for produce sellers are discussed.
Be sure to check out this insightful and engaging conversation featuring the following panelists:
• David Coletto (Abacus Data)
• Ron Lemaire (CPMA)
• Guy Milette (Courchesne Larose)
• David Dube (Krown Produce)
• Quinton Woods (Gwillimdale Farms)
• Larry McIntosh (retired from Peak of the Market)

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Thank you to our podcast sponsors, Nature Fresh Farms and Fresh From Florida.

                 

CPMA Produce Person of the Year – Larry McIntosh

In this episode, Ron Lemaire has a discussion with Larry McIntosh, a past Chair of CPMA and the 2021 Produce Person of the Year. Larry has spent 27 years in the produce industry, recently retiring as CEO of Peak of the Market. We talk about how the produce industry has evolved over years, the resilience of our sector and the future hurdles that we will continue to overcome. Among many other topics, Larry tells us that he feels CPMA’s Passion for Produce program is the best program in the industry for young professionals and shares his advice for PFP participants to achieve success in business.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsors, Nature Fresh Farms and Fresh From Florida.

                 

CPMA Produce Champion 2021 - Senator Rob Black

In this episode, we feature a discussion with the CPMA 2021 Produce Champion, Ontario Senator Rob Black, who is a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry. CPMA's annual Produce Champion award is given to one or more Member(s) of Parliament and/or Senator(s) who have been supportive of the produce industry and effective at bringing industry issues to the forefront on Parliament Hill. Senator Black shares his story on how he became a Senator and how he has worked to further the interests of agriculture in Canada, throughout his professional career and, more recently in Ottawa.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.

                 

Sustainability for Produce – A Conversation About the Present & Future

Sustainability has been a focus for the produce industry for many years and is a complex issue with multiple areas of focus. In Canada current areas of focus include the potential of a Canadian index to benchmark Agri-food sustainability, government focus on issues such as carbon credits and industry-led initiatives to improve sustainability. This episode provides industry insight on some of the key areas of focus including Canada’s Sustainability Index, greenhouse gas (GHG) sequestration, biodiversity and regenerative agriculture. Guests on this episode include Scott Ross of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Keith Kuhl of Southern Potato, Quinton Woods of Gwillimdale Farms, and David McInnes representing the National Index of Agri-Food Performance.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.

                 

Emerging Pathogens – A Conversation with Canada’s Experts

Foodborne illnesses continue to bed a source of concern within the fresh produce industry. CPMA asked two of Canada's top food safety professionals to join us in discussing recent outbreaks, the challenges in identifying outbreaks and what the future of outbreaks may look like. Lisa Sparrow-Moellenbeck, Food Safety Manager, Federated Co-operatives spoke with Joyce Cheng - Acting Manager Outbreak Management, Public Health Agency Canada and Dr. Lawrence Goodridge - Director - Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety (CRIFS), Graduate Coordinator - Food Safety & Quality Assurance Program, University of Guelph.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.

                 

Special 100th episode of CPMA podcast: The Produce industry through the lenses of CPMA’s Past Chairs

On this special 100^th episode of Produce Talks, Ron Lemaire, President of CPMA moderates a roundtable discussion with our Chair, Guy Milette of Courchesne Larose, and nine past CPMA Chairs including: Davis Yung of Fresh Direct Produce, Oleen Smethurst of Costco Wholesale Canada, Les Mallard of Fyffes, Rick Alcocer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Mike Furi of Federated Co-operatives Limited, Walt Breeden of Oppy, Jim DiMenna of Red Sun Farms, Prentice Dent of Pear Bureau Northwest, and Larry McIntosh, former President and CEO of Peak of the Market.

This group of produce professionals brings well over 200 years of produce experience, and each looks back at his/her term as CPMA’s Chairs, revisiting how the industry and the Association operated, and how we collectively overcame adversity. The group also looks at how the pandemic has reshaped our market and ways that members and industry partners can navigate the future.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.

                 

Women in Produce 2021

This episode we feature a panel of women in produce and recognize the achievements of women leading the promotion of produce in Canada. Earlier this year, CPMA partnered with Grocery Business Magazine to recognize some of the exceptional women in the industry. The Grocery Business article was released in the March/April edition recognizing ten outstanding women in produce. Joining this episode were Michèle McMillan with Thomas Fresh, Ashley Pinto at Loblaw and Luci Faas at Nature Fresh Farms.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.

                 

COVID-19: Revisiting Impacts and Key Takeaways

This episode, as we hit the three month mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, we revisit the impacts along the supply chain and unpack the key takeaways since March as businesses continue to adapt and prepare for a busy summer and harvest season. Featured guests Stéphanie Levasseur, President of Quebec Apple Growers, Satri Alpine, Director of Talent and Culture at Oppy and Tammy Vautour, Quality Assurance Director at Metro cover a variety of topics including the temporary foreign worker program and labour, corporate culture, the supply chain, product availability and much more.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.

                 

All About Freggie

“Eat your fruits and veggies.” It can be a tough message to convey to kids, so why not show them the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle? The 5th annual Freggie Fresh Ride is happening August 16th, starting in Niagara and ending in Toronto with a stop at a Freggie event at the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton and Hamilton in Oakville. The Freggie Fresh Ride will again be raising money, with 100% of funds going directly to the Freggie Children’s Program. Organizers Greg Ogiba of AMC Direct Inc. and Andrew George of EarthFresh hop on the podcast along with Selena Karkash from CPMA as we discuss all things Freggie.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.

                 

Let's Tackle Food Waste!

On this podcast episode, we sit down with Dr. Martin Gooch and Dan Laplain at Value Chain Management International as we keep the conversation going on reducing food loss and waste and plan for the release of a food waste reduction tool this summer. We talk about the drivers behind the issue of waste and the ins and outs of the web tool – who can use it, how to use it and the results that companies can expect.

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.

                 

Technology Driving the Produce Industry Today (LIVE from the CPMA Trade Show Floor)

We live in a world of constant change where technology creates opportunities to drive organizations to new levels of success. Blockchain, precision agriculture, automation, and much more are embraced by businesses searching to improve how produce is grown, harvested, packed, shipped and sold, while leveraging data to provide better decision making and transparency across the supply chain. Hear how organizations are embracing technology and its effect on the produce sector as a whole.
Moderator:  Davis Yung - Fresh Direct Produce
Speakers:  David Best - Duda Farm Fresh, Keith Kuhl - Southern Potato, Scott Dagondon - Motorleaf

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, NatureFresh™ Farms.