Three new groups join the GrowCanada partnership   

September 24, 2025 (Ottawa) – The GrowCanada partnership is pleased to welcome three new members: Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and Spirits Canada.  

The GrowCanada partners form a coalition of national stakeholders working together to advance Canada’s position as a global agricultural superpower and key contributor to food security. The agriculture and food industry already represents 7 percent of Canada’s GDP and employs more than 2.3 million people – more than the automotive, forestry, steel, aluminum, and oil and gas sectors combined.  

“Back in 2009 my predecessor at CropLife Canada, Lorne Hepworth, had the idea to bring the sector together and create the GrowCanada partnership with a vision for Canada to a be a world leader in providing new products and innovative solutions for agricultural, nutritional, health, energy and environmental challenges in Canada and around the world,” says Pierre Petelle, president and CEO of CropLife Canada, one of the founding GrowCanada partners.  

Today, the coalition partners carry forward that vision believing that with a strategic focus on enabling innovation and expanding domestic and international markets, the industry can grow, process and export more sustainable, high-quality food, feed and fuel to drive economic growth for the benefit of all Canadians.   

“Bringing new voices from those further along the value chain who are more closely connected with food into the GrowCanada partnership broadens its voice at a pivotal time. As global and domestic pressures reshape economies, agriculture and food can serve as a strategic driver of growth, innovation, and sustainable production,” says Petelle. “By collaborating across the entire sector, we can deliver tangible benefits for those in Canada and around the world. Now is the time to make agriculture a pillar of Canada’s future,” he adds. 

Quotes from the new partners 

“Every day, Canadians rely on the safe, high-quality, and affordable products our members make, from the food on their tables to the health and household items they depend on. Joining the GrowCanada partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening the entire food value chain, from farm to factory to family. By aligning agriculture, manufacturing, and retail, we can foster innovation, enhance sustainability, and ensure Canadian-made products remain accessible and competitive both here at home and in global markets.” 

• Michael Graydon, president and CEO, Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada 

“Fresh fruits and vegetables are at the heart of healthy diets, and our members understand the importance of a strong, sustainable food system. We are ready to collaborate with the other GrowCanada partners to help strengthen Canadian agriculture for the future.” 

• Ron Lemaire, President and CEO, Canadian Produce Marketing Association 

“Spirits Canada is proud to join the GrowCanada partners. Our industry relies on Canadian grain, and we see tremendous value in working alongside others to strengthen the future of agriculture and food.”  

• Cal Bricker, President and CEO, Spirits Canada 

The 2025 GrowCanada conference is coming to Calgary 

Each year, the GrowCanada partners host the GrowCanada conference, Canada’s premier agricultural event. The conference provides a platform to connect with industry leaders from across the country, explore cutting edge insights and build a stronger and more vibrant Canadian agricultural sector that ultimately contributes to a better world.  

This year’s conference, taking place December 2–4, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Calgary, will focus on the theme Meeting the Moment, exploring how to create the conditions for the sector to thrive and position Canada to lead with purpose. 

Registration for this year’s conference is now open and the full conference agenda is available here.  

Media contact 

Erin O’Hara 

Vice-president, communications and member services 

CropLife Canada 

613-230-9881 x 3223 

oharae@croplife.ca