Agriculture groups welcome Canada’s commitment to a National Food Security Strategy

Calgary, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Several agricultural groups across Canada are welcoming the government’s commitment to a National Food Security Strategy announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) says it’s pleased to see a renewed focus on creating a more resilient agri-food sector, but stresses much depends on how it’s implemented.

“It must meaningfully involve farmers and the broader agricultural sector to achieve the best results,” said Keith Currie, President of the CFA. “Producers are on the front lines of food security and must be active partners in delivering solutions that strengthen domestic production, improve affordability, and enhance supply chain resilience.”

In a statement, the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) said the strategy is recognition of something it has long advocated for, that “food security depends on Canada’s ability to grow food here at home and support a strong, resilient and competitive domestic food production sector.”

“Food security starts with the ability to grow food here at home,” said Marcus Janzen, President of the FVGC. “Canada’s fruit and vegetable growers are facing immense pressure, from rising fertilizer and fuel costs and labour challenges to extreme weather, pests, disease and market uncertainty. Growers have been clear that domestic primary food production must be treated as a national priority.

RELATED: Ottawa unveils first National Food Security Strategy with $3B investment

The Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) said several key elements of the strategy have the potential to improve competitiveness, farm profitability, and Canada’s agri-food supply chain. Of note, it said the strategy’s focus on reducing regulatory approval backlogs is of particular interest to canola growers.

“Accelerating access to seed, feed, fertilizer, and crop protection products is essential to ensuring farmers have the tools they need to remain productive, competitive, and resilient,” reads the statement.

Meanwhile, the Grain Growers of Canada is calling for concrete action in the wake of the strategy announcement, including “faster approvals for key farm inputs, reliable supply chains that move Canadian grain to market, expanded domestic market opportunities, and increased federal investment in agricultural research.”

As well, the Dairy Farmers of Canada released a statement in support of the strategy, highlighting the government’s recognition of supply management as “fundamental to Canadian self-sufficiency for dairy, egg, and poultry products at stable prices.”

In a statement on social media, the BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) says it is encouraged to see commitments that support domestic food production, including the proposed expansion of the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program. “We have long advocated for improved access to capital, and this is an important step towards building a strong, competitive agriculture sector in B.C.”

Canada’s first National Food Security Strategy, a federal plan backed by more than $3 billion over 10 years, aimed at strengthening domestic food production, increasing competition in the grocery sector, and reducing regulatory barriers across the agricultural supply chain.

The strategy comes as the federal government cites growing pressures on food and energy systems from trade and tariff concerns, global conflicts, and climate change.

For years, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector has been calling on Ottawa to make agriculture a national priority, warning that years of underinvestment and policy neglect have put the industry and the country at a competitive disadvantage.

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