Uncertainty causes increased interest for Canadian grown produce

While there is currently still snow on the ground in the garden of Quebec, the expectation is for the planting season of iceberg lettuce, Romaine lettuce, Romaine Hearths, and celery to start in about three weeks, around April 14. These crops will be followed by carrots, green onions, parsley, cilantro, and Napa cabbage. "While it is zero degrees (°C) as we speak, we are hopeful to be able to go in the fields by mid-April," says Arthur Patenaude with Centre Maraîcher Eugène Guinois Jr. "Of course, we are dependent on Mother Nature, which is as uncertain as the situation in Washington D.C.," he adds.

If everything goes according to plan, the company will start the first harvest at the end of June and product will be available until the first week of November. It's no secret that CME Guinois exports about 20 percent of its volume to the U.S with the border being only 15 minutes away. For proximity reasons, product that enters the U.S. market will mainly end up on the East Coast. "We've been working with our friends in the U.S. for many years and hope to continue to do business with them while navigating the uncertainty."

However, close to 80 percent of CME Guinois' products stay in Canada. "We're seeing really good demand, all the way from the East Coast to Alberta," Patenaude commented. "It's far away, but it is a good market for us." Due to the pressure from the southern neighbors, Canadian consumers have developed a stronger preference for Canada-grown produce. "We believe that in 2025 the Canadian population will be attentive to product from Canada, more than before." CME Guinois will respond to this increased local demand by emphasizing on the packaging that product is Canadian grown. "We would like to identify our product with the Canadian population more than ever."

In addition to consumers, Patenaude also feels strong support from retail chain stores in Canada. "They favor our product and even customers out west will look for Canadian product first before considering imports."

CPMA plans
Patenaude had planned to retire at the end of last year but was asked to stick around for a while longer, taking his successors under his wings for a few more months. They will be introduced to the public at CPMA in Montreal. "We are looking forward to introducing our two new sales agents at the event," he said. Curious to meet CME Guinois' new hires? Visit booth #129 in Montreal on April 9 and 10.

For more information:
Arthur Patenaude
Centre Maraîcher Eugène Guinois Jr.
Tel: +1 450-826-3207
arthur@cneguinois.com
www.cmeguinois.com