CPMA Names Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald 2026 Produce Champion
From left to right are MPP Trevor Jones (Ontario Minister of Agriculture); James Maloney-MP for Etobicoke—Lakeshore; Sophie Chatel– Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, Steve Bamford of Fresh Advancement and past CPMA Chair, Quinton Woods of Gwillimdale Produce Ltd.; Jeff Madu of Windset Farm and Dan Martin of EarthFresh Farms.
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) has named Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, its 2026 Produce Champion, recognizing his support for the fresh produce industry and commitment to advancing key sector priorities.
The annual Produce Champion Award honors a Member of Parliament or Senator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership on behalf of Canada’s fruit and vegetable industry.
According to CPMA, MacDonald has consistently supported policies aimed at strengthening the nation’s produce supply chain, improving food security and enhancing the long-term competitiveness of Canadian agriculture.
“Heath MacDonald has been a steadfast champion of Canada’s fresh produce sector long before his time as Minister. He has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges facing our sector,” said CPMA President Ron Lemaire. “During his tenure as Minister, that commitment has continued—supporting policies that strengthen our supply chains, enhance food security and ensure the long-term competitiveness of Canadian produce. We are proud to recognize Minister MacDonald as this year’s Produce Champion.”
The recognition comes as the Canadian government places increased emphasis on food security and supply chain resilience. Last month, CPMA joined Minister MacDonald and Prime Minister Mark Carney in Toronto for the release of Canada’s National Food Security Strategy, which includes several commitments designed to strengthen the country’s fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain.
MacDonald said working with Canada’s produce sector has been one of the highlights of his role as agriculture minister.
“On behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, thank you to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association for naming me your 2026 Produce Champion,” MacDonald said. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is travelling across the country and meeting with the farmers, processors and industry leaders who are driving Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector forward.”
He added that visits with growers and industry leaders, including participation in CPMA Fresh Week and the launch of the National Food Security Strategy, have reinforced his appreciation for the innovation and leadership within Canada’s produce sector.
“As we work together to seize new opportunities and address the challenges ahead, I’m grateful to collaborate with the producers, processors, industry partners, and department officials whose expertise and commitment help strengthen Canada’s fruit and vegetable sector every day,” MacDonald said.
The award reflects CPMA’s ongoing efforts to recognize elected officials who support policies that benefit growers, shippers, retailers and others throughout the fresh produce supply chain.
Representing more than 900 member companies responsible for approximately 90% of Canada’s fresh fruit and vegetable sales, the association continues to advocate for investments and policies that improve industry competitiveness while ensuring consumers have reliable access to fresh produce.
CPMA said it looks forward to continuing its work with Minister MacDonald and parliamentarians from all political parties as it advances priorities related to food security, supply chain resiliency and the long-term growth of Canada’s fresh produce industry.
