Food

QSA's Week in Food (#11, 2025)

Minister Blois announces regulatory changes; Tariffs by China impact agriculture; Spent fowl fraud crackdown; Canadian fish at Seafood Expo; Bioinnovation centre in Halifax opens

Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news regarding food and beverage manufacturing, processing, packaging, labelling, safety and inspections.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-03-16
End Date: 2025-03-22

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Minister Blois Announces Regulatory Changes to Boost Agriculture

On March 18, 2025, Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced measures to enhance the competitive advantage of Canadian agricultural products. These include speeding up product approvals for alternatives to U.S.-sourced animal feed and harmonizing Canada's BSE feed ban with U.S. requirements. The changes aim to reduce costs and improve market access for Canadian producers. The CFIA will work with industry on regulatory adjustments, including increasing the maximum slaughter age for feeder calves and modernizing fresh fruit and vegetable labeling requirements.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada Responds to Tariffs Imposed by China

Following China's imposition of tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, including canola oil, pork, and seafood, Minister Kody Blois announced increased support through AgriStability. The compensation rate has been raised to 90%, with doubled payment caps, and provinces can offer interim payments at higher rates. These measures aim to mitigate the impact on Canadian farmers and businesses and ensure economic stability amidst trade uncertainties.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

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Cracking Down on Spent Fowl Fraud at the Border

On March 20, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency announced efforts to address spent fowl misrepresentation at the border, led by Ministers Kody Blois and David J. McGuinty. The misrepresentation allows avoidance of tariffs on broiler chickens by classifying them as duty-free spent fowl. The agencies are sharing intelligence to develop strategies for improved detection and compliance, protecting Canadian consumers and the poultry industry.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canadian Fish and Seafood at Seafood Expo North America

Fisheries and Oceans Canada showcased Canada's fish and seafood at the Seafood Expo North America, held from March 16-18, 2025, in Boston. The expo provided a platform to promote sustainably sourced Canadian seafood, which is a major export commodity. Canada highlighted its commitment to high standards for sustainability and food safety, reinforcing its position in global markets.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Launch of Canada's First Large-Scale Bioinnovation Centre

On March 20, 2025, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced a $5 million investment in Neptune BioInnovation Inc. to establish a bioinnovation hub in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This facility will support biotechnology advancements in areas like functional foods and alternative proteins, aiming to strengthen domestic supply chains and attract global investment.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

MP John Barlow Advocates for Food Security

On March 19, 2025, MP John Barlow tweeted about the importance of prioritizing food production and security in the upcoming federal election, emphasizing agriculture's role in economic growth.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Kody Blois Discusses Competitiveness and Innovation

MP Kody Blois tweeted on March 21, 2025, about his focus on competitiveness and innovation in the agriculture sector, following meetings with industry partners and colleagues.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Jean Yip Visits Halal Food Business

On March 21, 2025, MP Jean Yip visited Al-Jannah Halal Foods Inc. and discussed constituency services and business supports, highlighting the company's role in supplying Halal meat in the GTA.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Interprovincial Alcohol Trade Barriers Addressed in New Brunswick

The Government of New Brunswick introduced amendments to the Liquor Control Act on March 19, 2025, aimed at eliminating interprovincial trade barriers on alcohol, enhancing product selection and market access.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Saskatchewan Invests in Market Diversification

On March 19, 2025, Saskatchewan announced incentives to support market diversification and economic growth, including a new Young Entrepreneur Bursary and SME Tax Credit.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

BC Government Supports Local Food Manufacturing

BC's Manufacturing Jobs Fund is investing $6.6 million to support food manufacturers, creating jobs and strengthening local supply chains, announced on March 18, 2025.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Provincial Announcements

Boost to Community Food Infrastructure in North Okanagan

The BC government announced $1 million funding for food infrastructure in North Okanagan on March 17, 2025, to improve access to fresh food and support local producers.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.bc.ca

Senator Mary Robinson Praises Minister Blois

Senator Mary Robinson tweeted on March 18, 2025, expressing excitement about Minister Blois's plans for Canadian agriculture, celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Lianne Rood Receives Produce Champion Award

On March 20, 2025, MP Lianne Rood tweeted her gratitude for receiving the Canadian Produce Marketing Association's Produce Champion 2024 Award.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

MP Kody Blois Discusses Trade Diversification

MP Kody Blois tweeted on March 20, 2025, about the importance of trade diversification in the Indo-Pacific region, following a meeting with Diedrah Kelly.