The Kristina Farrell Episode: Fighting for Canada's Food System from the Inside

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8d ago 55:11

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The Kristina Farrell Episode: Fighting for Canada's Food System from the Inside

In this episode, hosts Phil and Kenny sit down with Kristina Farrell, CEO of Food & Beverage Canada, to explore the complex world of Canadian food manufacturing policy. Christina, who represents domestic food and beverage manufacturers across the country, breaks down the critical distinction between companies that actually make products in Canada versus those that simply sell here.

From her team-of-two operation in Ottawa, Kristina tackles massive challenges including inter-provincial trade barriers, labor shortages, and the ongoing work on Bill C-5. The conversation reveals how 92% of Canada's food manufacturing companies have fewer than 100 employees, yet the industry remains the country's largest manufacturing sector—a fact that often gets overlooked in policy discussions.

Kristina shares her journey from government bureaucracy to lobbying, explaining how she became the central coordinator between six provincial food and beverage associations and federal policymakers. The discussion touches on everything from why you've probably had more USDA beef than Alberta beef, to the surprising complexities of calling something "recyclable" under new Competition Act provisions.

The hosts and Kristina dig into Canada's tendency to overcomplicate systems that should be straightforward, from food safety standards that vary by province to the challenges of getting recognition for an industry that feeds everyone but struggles to get the political attention given to "sexier" sectors like automotive or mining.

Key topics covered:

The difference between food manufacturers and CPG companies
Inter-provincial trade barriers and Bill C-5
Labor challenges in food manufacturing
Why Canada's food system is simultaneously world-class and poorly understood by Canadians
The role of provincial food and beverage associations
Sustainability challenges and greenwashing regulations

This episode offers an inside look at the people working behind the scenes to keep Canada's food system running, and why understanding these complexities matters for everyone who eats.

Find Kristina here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-farrell-b09ba549/

Thank you to Field Agent Canada for sponsoring the podcast: https://www.fieldagentcanada.com/

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