Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson joined his Federal, Provincial and Territorial counterparts in a virtual discussion. 

The group discussed and recognized the progress made toward Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct.

“Consumers in Manitoba and across the country need more transparency and predictability in retail food prices and an assurance of fair dealing and practices in Canada’s food supply chain.”

Johnson emphasized the Manitoba government’s support for work done to date by the industry toward the establishment of the code, which would follow extensive consultation.

Another key topic for Johnson during last week's FPT discussions focused on African Swine Fever (ASF).

Manitoba is the largest pig-producing province in Canada after Quebec and accounts for about 30 per cent of our national production.

He's encouraging his counterparts to collaborate on strategies to guard against ASF.

"it is crucial that provinces and territories remain committed to working together with Ottawa to prevent African swine fever from entering the country and to be prepared with measures to protect producers if it does.”

The country's agriculture ministers also discussed federal development of a national agricultural labour strategy and progress in the preparations for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

S-CAP is set to begin April 1 and is designed to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of farmers, food processors and others.