CPMA report highlights economic impact of produce sector in 2022
The economic impact of Canada’s produce sector increased to nearly $15 billion in 2022 – up from $13.9 billion in 2016 – according to a new report from the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA).
Produced by The Conference Board of Canada, the 2023 Economic Footprint of Canada’s Fresh Produce Sector report also found the sector increased the number of direct, indirect and induced jobs in 2022 to 185,400 (up from 147,000 in 2013).
Farm-gate sales for vegetables rose 11.2% to nearly $1.6 billion, while fruit sales increased by 15.3% to $1.4 billion in 2022 compared with 2021.
The fresh produce industry, including the supply chain and the induced economic activity from their employees’ spending, added a total of nearly $4.1 billion in government revenues in 2022, the report says.
Total labour income earned in the economy because of the economic activity in the fresh produce sector was nearly $10 billion.
“We are proud to represent an industry that provides Canadians with fresh fruits and vegetables, supports employment from coast to coast to coast, and makes a significant contribution to Canada's economy,” said Ron Lemaire, CPMA president, in a statement. “Despite recent challenges that threatened food security in Canada, the data in this report clearly illustrate our industry’s key role in the Canadian economy and food supply chain and why we need the government to work with us to support our industry’s priorities.”
