Amplifying Your Voice: SSFPA Representation

In the dynamic landscape of food processing and agriculture, having a say in the decisions that affect your business is critical. The Small Scale Food Processors Association is your advocate, ensuring that the unique perspectives and needs of small and medium processors and growers are not just heard, but acted upon. Our active participation in key boards and committees across the country amplifies our members’ voices, shaping policies and practices that foster a more supportive environment for your business. Explore some of these committees below.

  • Targeted Advocacy: We represent you at crucial tables where decisions are made, ensuring the interests of small and medium businesses are a priority.

  • Influencing Policy: Our involvement in national and regional committees means we directly influence policies and regulations affecting the food processing industry, from safety standards to economic support.

  • Strategic Connections: Through our representation, we build strategic relationships with government bodies and industry leaders, opening doors for our members to opportunities and collaborations.

  • Your Needs, Our Mission: Whether it’s advocating for more accessible funding, influencing food safety regulations, or supporting the development of food hubs, our representation is guided by your needs and challenges.

The National Food Processors Round Table is a pivotal forum initiated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in June 2008. This group brings together senior industry and departmental officials to tackle the critical challenges facing the food processing sector. Through our participation, we ensure that the voices of small and medium processors and growers are heard, focusing on crucial areas identified by the industry for enhancing competitiveness: access to affordable capital for modernization and automation, improving scale of production and productivity, addressing labor shortages, enhancing market access both domestically and internationally, advocating for research and development tailored to food processors, and pushing for a regulatory environment that promotes innovation and a level playing field. The SSFPA’s involvement underscores our commitment to advocating for solutions that address the pressing needs of our members, ensuring a sustainable and competitive future for the sector.

The Canadian Supply Chain Food Safety Coalition was formed in December 2000 by national associations representing all segments of the food chain from input suppliers through primary production, processing, manufacturing, transportation, distribution to final marketing at retail or in food service. It is a unique organization that is open to all national, provincial and local industry associations with an interest in food safety. In August 2007 it received its Letters Patent under the Canada Corporations Act as a not-for-profit corporation.

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ProcessSafe is a cutting-edge program designed to elevate food safety awareness and knowledge among food processors. ProcessSafe targets self-employed entrepreneurs and entry-level line workers in micro- to small-scale food processing establishments, offering crucial training in safe food handling procedures. While primarily aimed at those at the start of their food processing careers, ProcessSafe also serves as an invaluable onboarding resource for new employees across the sector. This initiative aligns with recent changes in food premises regulations, requiring food safety and sanitation plans to be approved by Environmental Health Officers. By fostering a culture of food safety awareness, ProcessSafe supports the comprehensive implementation of these plans, ensuring a safer food processing environment. Covering food safety basics, processing concepts, and the practical application of these concepts across various food sectors, ProcessSafe is an instrumental tool in helping frontline workers understand their vital role in maintaining food safety, including an introduction to HACCP principles and prerequisite programs, without the expectation of creating actual plans.
MarketSafe is a specialized training program tailored for farmers, food processors, and producers who sell their products at local farmers’ markets, farm gates, or other temporary food markets. Unlike FOODSAFE Level 1, MarketSafe focuses specifically on food safety and safe handling procedures pertinent to market vendors, managers, and food creators. It covers essential topics such as proper food storage and display, sanitation, food cleanliness, and prevention of food-borne illnesses. This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring our members have access to the best resources for maintaining the highest standards of food safety. Completing the MarketSafe course and exam rewards participants with a certificate from their local health authority, marking a significant step towards safe and successful market sales.

The BC Food Hub Network is designed to spearhead growth and innovation in British Columbia’s food processing sector. This initiative provides industry players with enhanced access to facilities, equipment, technology, technical services, and business supports, fostering a conducive environment for business growth and innovation. Developed through collaboration with industry, communities, and post-secondary institutions, the network aims to reinforce provincial food and beverage processing across diverse regions. With a vision to lead in food and beverage processing innovation and a mission to help BC’s businesses grow, innovate, and commercialize, the network supports the Minister of Agriculture and Food’s mandate to expand the Grow BC, Feed BC, and Buy BC programs, thereby bolstering food security and local business growth. It includes fourteen regional food hubs offering shared-use facilities and resources, alongside the Endowed Food and Beverage Innovation Professorship at UBC, demonstrating a firm commitment to advancing the sector.

Sprouts and Microgreens Canada collaborates closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to develop best practice guidelines that set the standard for the industry. Our involvement ensures that the voices and interests of our members are heard and reflected in these critical guidelines, promoting safety, innovation, and sustainability in the sprout and microgreen sectors. Additionally, we actively participate in larger initiatives, including international conferences, to stay at the forefront of industry developments and to advocate for the continued growth and recognition of our members in the global sprout and microgreen market.

The Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) is a vital platform that influences agricultural policy and land protection in the region. Comprised of stakeholders from various sectors, the AAC plays a crucial role in advising on matters crucial to the preservation of agricultural land and enhancing the viability of agriculture within Metro Vancouver. Responsibilities include providing insights and recommendations on actions to safeguard agricultural land, promoting farming sustainability, advising on Agricultural Awareness grants, and serving as a forum for the exchange of information and perspectives on regional agricultural issues. Our involvement ensures that the voices of small and medium processors and growers are heard, contributing to decisions that affect the future of agriculture in our community, underlining our commitment to advocating for the interests and growth of our members in the agricultural sector.

Ready to have your voice heard? Join the SSFPA today to make sure your needs are represented.