ACT Summit Keynote: CEA in Canada
March 24, 2025 President Donald Trump’s tariffs have wider implications than driving up the cost of fresh produce. During his keynote speech at the Advancing Cultivation Technology (ACT) Summit in Ontario last week, Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, emphasized how the imposed 25% tariff is making controlled environment agriculture (CEA) more important than ever, especially for Canada’s greenhouse sector.
The developing trade war has raised a lot of questions for both Canadian and American growers. On the Canadian front, many aren’t sure where to send their produce after it’s harvested. Considering 85% of their product goes to the U.S., Canada’s growers and business owners can’t work with a 25% tariff. “If we don’t trade with our American partners, we’re going to have to increase how much we consume tremendously,” Lemaire said.
In addition, he added, the Canadian public is starting to question whether its leaders can hold their own against Trump in a trade war. “It comes down to which leader can fight Donald Trump in a trade battle,” Lemaire said. “Can [Prime Minister Mark] Carney fight him?”
Putting Greenhouse Produce in the Spotlight
Greenhouse production is the leading CEA force in Canada, particularly the Ontario region. Prior to the tariff threat, Canadian restaurants primarily used imported or field-grown tomatoes. Over the past three months, Lemaire noted, they have shifted to using tomatoes that are greenhouse-grown. This further solidifies the high demand for locally grown food and, according to Lemaire, opens the door for growers and business owners to push CEA’s message. “We now have the opportunity to brand CEA better and get consumers on board,” he said.
For the foreseeable future, uncertainty will continue to surround the trade war and CEA produce will stay in demand across Canada. While the tariff threat has posed new challenges for Canada’s growers, Lemaire urged ACT Summit attendees to capitalize on the increasing need for locally grown food.
