Melissa Kardaras

Sustainability - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), In relation to sustainable packaging policies and their impact on the fresh produce supply chain Sustainable Agriculture Strategy - Policies to support the adoption of more environmentally sustainable practices across the fresh produce supply chain National School Food Program - Improve and increase access to the nutritious food all students need and supporting food insecure households National Food Security Strategy– in respect of strengthening the systems that support the safe, timely movement and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetable products across Canada’s borders and domestic supply chains. Federal Budget 2025 - specifically related to measures of relevance and impact to the fresh produce supply chain. Red Tape Review - Federal department efforts under Treasury Board's Red Tape Review initiative. Grocery Sector Code of Conduct - including the development and implementation of the voluntary code to support fair business practices in the fresh produce sector. International trade, including opportunities for export and import market diversification in the fresh produce sector. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Canada-U.S. trade and Canada's response to U.S. trade action against Canada, including tariffs. Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations - Labelling. In relation to addressing industry challenges in the application of labelling requirements. Supply Chains Act - in relation to providing necessary supports to industry to effectively address and eradicate forced labour. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Destination Inspection Service - In relation to ensuring consistent and efficient CFIA service model for delivery of enhanced destination inspection for produce. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grades. In respect of the maintenance and modification of Canadian grade standards. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - Organic. In respect to the Canadian Organic Regime and the Canadian Organic Standards. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - In relation to enabling a sufficient workforce to support domestic fruit and vegetable production. Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations - In respect to supporting the development and implementation of a safe food supply chain while ensuring efficient and consistent licensing and inspection requirements and streamlined regulations for industry. Safe Food for Canadians Act. In respect of managing risk to food safety and supporting a safe food system for Canada. Ports Modernization Review - In respect to ensuring that ports are well positioned to facilitate the free flow of goods and enabling uninterrupted trade. Plant Protection Act & Regulations. In respect to consistent delivery by CFIA of plant health regulations. Pest Control Products Act - Pesticide Residue Tolerances - In respect of international harmonization of maximum and default residue limits (mrls). National Supply Chain Strategy - in respect of supporting the smooth movement of fresh fruit and vegetable products across the Canadian border and throughout the country. Health Canada Food & Nutrition - A cooperative approach between government and industry / NGOs to support increased health of Canadians via focus on childhood obesity, establishment of nutrient database, harmonization between Canada and US of health claims, health & nutrition labelling, and consumer food safety education. Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act and accompanying regulations - In respect to rebates for the greenhouse industry, expanding the definition of farming and ensuring consistency, and in providing an exemption in the Act and/or regulations for diesel and propane as well as heating and

Alcohol Harm Reduction National and international policy and regulations to reduce harmful alcohol consumption Tariff relief or remission orders associated with international trade. Economic Development of wine country cluster growth Monitor the World Wine Trade Group Labelling Agreement. Monitor the Income Tax Act in relation to replant expenditures, tax deductions, tax credits Monitor the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act in relation to inter-provincial trade issues Monitor the Excise Tax Act as it pertains to tax issues affecting the Canadian wine industry Monitor the Canadian Free Trade Agreement as it pertains to interprovincial direct-to-consumers shipping of Canadian wine Monitor international trade challenges to Canadian wines in Canadian market Monitor international free trade agreements discussions as it pertains to international wine trade issues. Icewine Regulation (SOR/2014-10) Food and Drug Regulations Part B - Alcoholic Beverages Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Chapter 10 - Guide to the Labelling of Alcoholic Beverages Awarded funding to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program for export programming support for 2023-2026 activities. Application to obtain contribution from the AgriMarketing Program to be directed to export promotion of Canadian wines and internationally-related issues affecting the Canadian wine industry

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) - CAAIN's Prairie Agtech Validation Program (supported by PrairiesCan) is providing Alberta producers and Prairie-based agtech firms with opportunities to validate and demonstrate new technologies in real world production environments. By enabling companies to test functionality, performance, and economic value under on farm conditions, the program bridges the critical gap between prototype development and commercial adoption. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) - CAAIN's Research and Innovation Stream Accelerator Pilot, supported by the AAFC ACT program, strengthens the national smart farm network and accelerates adoption of energy-efficient, emissions-reducing, and precision agriculture technologies. Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) - CAAIN serves as Canada’s primary hub for agricultural AI adoption. More than 80 per cent of CAAIN-funded projects incorporate AI, addressing sector challenges such as labour shortages, productivity decline, and food security by connecting innovators and producers nationwide. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) - CAAIN is collaborating with Global Affairs Canada to explore pathways for showcasing Canadian agtech and AI capabilities to international partners. Canada’s diverse agricultural products, climates, and production systems position Canadian entrepreneurs and producers to provide valuable expertise to emerging markets worldwide. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) - Collaboration and consultation on modernizing Canada’s agrifood sector's productivity, sustainability, and resilience through science, applied research, automation, AI, smart farming technologies, precision agriculture, climate?smart innovation, and digital transformation. Innovation, Science, Economic Development (ISED) Strategic Response Fund (SRF) - Funding renewal under SRF funding will allow CAAIN to sustain momentum in network-building and accelerate the growth, adoption, and commercialization of agricultural technologies that enhance productivity, competitiveness, and outcomes for Canadian producers, while advancing food sovereignty, security, and affordability. The funding will expand AI-driven tools, national agriculture data capacity, and innovation adoption through connected smart and commercial farms. It will also support Indigenous and remote community food systems, and reduce waste through precision technologies.

Discussions regarding potential federal contribution funding for food processing investments in Canada. Policies and regulations affecting dairy system, supply management, and regenerative agriculture. Federal regulations on plastics and recycled content requirements. Advocacy regarding trade tariffs and regulatory changes under CUSMA and other trade agreements.

Canada-U.S. trade relations, including the implementation and administration of tariffs, the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and the food and beverage manufacturing industry. The United States Surtax Remission Order and the remission of tariffs on goods utilized in the manufacturing of food and beverage. Regulations Concerning Food Additives and Compositional Standards and the implications for food and beverage manufacturers. The Federal Plastics Registry and its impact on food and beverage manufacturing in Canada. Bill C-5: An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Act - and considerations around food safety and export diversification. International Trade: The provisions of the text of the USMCA as they relate to agriculture and agri-food, including tariff schedules, Tariff Rate Quotas, regulatory cooperation and measures related to non-tariff barriers. Tariff and non-tariff barriers with the United States. The pollution prevention (P2) planning notice for primary food plastic packaging, with respect to its impact on food and beverage manufacturers. Temporary Foreign Worker Program - with respect to amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and the access of food and beverage manufacturers to various elements within the program. Support for the housing needs of temporary foreign workers and new Canadians. Science and Technology: Polices and programs to develop, maintain and adapt cybersecurity within the food and beverage processing sector Science and Technology: ISED policies and programs to promote innovation and technology adoption in the food and beverage processing sector Refugees - requesting resettlement programs for refugees Industry: The adoption of innovation in the food and beverage sector in the context of the Strategic Innovation Fund. Immigration: Enhancements to the Temporary Foreign Workers program and pathways to permanency for food and beverage processing labour. Health: Policies and regulations related to food and beverage products including the federal government's Health Eating Strategy, Front of Pack labelling regulations, Marketing to Children regulations, modifications to the Food Guide, modifications the Food and Drugs Regulations. Grocery Code of Conduct: Advocating for a mandatory and enforceable Grocery Code of Conduct for the food industry. Facilitating the entry into Canada of technicians required to maintain critical infrastructure Budget: Measures in annual federal budget to support food and beverage processing, including implementation of Agri-food Economic Strategy Table Report. Agriculture: Policies related to the food and beverage processing sector including: funding for industry research and development, implementation of Safe Foods for Canadians Regulations.

Setting up meetings regarding the 2030 Zero Plastic Waste Agenda regarding impacts on aseptic cartons and sustainability, touching both Agriculture & Environment topic areas. Setting up meetings regarding Canada's nationally determined contributions on climate change and food systems, touching both Agriculture & Environment topic areas.

Ongoing regulatory issues related to our production and packaging of our baked goods, specifically in relation to the recyclability of plastic packaging used. Providing information regarding modernization of Canada Bread Company, Ltd. compliance program, consistent with Competition Act and related provisions. Gather information regarding regenerative agriculture strategy, productivity and subsidy/investment programs available for the agri-food sector.

To educate government on how labour disruption issues affect grain supply chain. Review of product registrations of stored product pest control products pursuant to the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations. Proposed implementation of Front of Pack (FOP) symbols on food packages for foods with qualifying selected nutrient densities and related food claims. Proposed Amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations -- compositional standards/standards of identity, food additive uses and allergen labelling requirements as they pertain to products of grain milling. Proposed amendment of the Food and Drug Regulations to remove regulations pertaining to foods while creating new, modernized Food Regulations pursuant to the Food and Drugs Act. Proposed amendments to the Feeds Regulations. Proposed amendment of the Pest Control Products Act to permit incorporation by reference of maximum residue limits for pest control products.. Proposed amendment of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Act to clarify responsibility for manufactured foods. Modernization and proposed amendments to Section 4 of the Food and Drugs Act and consequential amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations. Implementation, interpretation (guidance documents),compliance monitoring and enforcement of the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations in alignment with the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations sections and provisions as they apply to food. Health Canada's proposed prohibitions on advertising of foods - advertising directed at children. Government of Canada regulatory response to implementation of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act, areas of Canada/US food regulatory cooperation under the Canada/US Regulatory Cooperation Council initiative. Amendment of the Canada Transportation Act to restore access for shippers to extended interswitching among carriers for rail freight transportation. Amendment of and additions to the Maximum Residue Limit Database of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Establishment of maximum limits for contaminants in foods pursuant to the Food and Drug Regulations. Allocation of additional human and financial resources to new and ongoing mycotoxin research in AAFC Research Branch and the Canadian Grain Commission Grain Research Laboratory. Adoption of maximum limits for mycotoxins in cereal grains and processed grain-based foods in either the Food and Drug Regulations and/or the Canada Grain Regulations and related guidelines.

Communicating with government officials about recycling and circular economy initiatives, including as it relates to Extended Producer Responsibility ("EPR") obligations for manufacturers. Measures to facilitate internal trade in Canada, including through Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act. Legislation and regulation with respect to the creation of a plastics registry, plastic labelling or recycled content for plastic products. Communications with regard to retail theft of consumer health products and e-marketplaces and concerns around product safety and product integrity resulting from e-theft. Communications with regard to retail theft of consumer health products and e-marketplaces and concerns around product safety and product integrity resulting from e-theft. Bill C-224 - An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (natural health products): To keep NHPs under the purview of the Food and Drugs Act (i.e. Vanessa’s Law), which gives the minister the authority to use a ministerial order for a number of reasons (product recall, delay cost-recovery NHPs, delay labelling for NHPs to a later date). Working with the government to recognize the public health benefits of a National Self-Care Strategy and urging its timely implementation. User fees for services, use of facilities, regulatory processes and approvals, product rights and privileges that are related to drugs and medical devices regulated under the Food and Drugs Act. Tax policy changes to allow certain therapeutic categories of consumer health products to be eligible under the Medical Expenses Tax Credit. Seeking harmonization of regulatory regimes and administrative processes nationally and internationally. Regulations Amending the Food and Drugs Regulations - Nutritional Labelling, Other Labelling Provisions and Food Colours – continue to engage with government to ensure clarity on compliance and enforcement of regulations. Providing input to government to restore balance and fair competition to grocery retail practices. Providing input to government on rules-based trade and e-commerce: working to ensure that international trade allows for the predictable flow of ingredients, products and people; addressing the rise of non-compliant and illicit products from entering the Canadian market; and advocating against protectionism (including new tariffs). Providing input to government on regulatory modernization initiatives, including encouraging the enforcement of an economic lens to the design and implementation of all regulations. Providing input to government on emerging COVID-19 issues and its impact on industry, and helping shape the government’s response and recovery efforts. Providing input into Health Canada's Self-Care Products Framework with respect to over-the-counter drugs (OTC), natural health products (NHPs), and cosmetics. Advocating for a framework that is based on science-based claims and regulated according to risk. Pre-Market approvals for food additives, novel foods, infant formula, health claims and functional foods in regard to consulting with Health Canada on improving the process to deal with the backlog and new applications. Plastic Charter – to monitor the development of the federal government national strategy on plastic and potential impact our industry. Participation and input into Canada's sodium reduction strategy concerning targets for certain food categories/sectors and technical aspects of the target - as well as consumer awareness, education and acceptance issues. Nutrition information with regard to how FCPC is committed to enabling consumers to make informed food choices based on Canada's Food Guide and the Nutrition Facts Table. National Food Policy – Working in consultation with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as the National Food Policy, designed to address issues related to production, processing, distribution and consumption of food, is developed and implemented. Modernization of food regulations and legislation - advocate to ensure