Conclusions and Outlook
New and pending trade agreements should have an impact on Canada’s produce industry in the coming years. The now-signed Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union should open doors, but has its critics as well, many of whom believe food safety will be affected by the elimination of trade barriers, particularly in Europe.
The oft discussed Trans Pacific Partner-ship, which agriculture ministers (in Quebec and across Canada) were hoping would still pass, will be an unrealized trade dream due to changes in the American political arena.
Pitsikoulis offers his own insight on the future: “The most important trend for all involved in our beloved produce industry is consumers eating more and more fresh produce.” Consumer trends are indicating that fresh produce whether local, organic, ugly, greenhouse, or even waste- or container-free remains an integral part of healthy lifestyles across Quebec.
Images: Africa Studio, Artem Furman, Richard Cavalleri, Denis Roger, Marc Bruxelle, Alina R, julie deshaies, Darmency, BakerJarvis/Shuterstock.com
