Agriculture Ministers and Farm and Industry Leaders agree, Canada needs a National Food Strategy

St. Andrew’s, NB - Canadian farm and industry leaders met with federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers today to discuss the National Food Strategy (NFS) developed by key actors along the value chain. With participants representing all commodities and provinces, as well as input suppliers, processors and farm financial and accounting services, the 12th annual Tripartite Roundtable hosted by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture served as a constructive forum to gain input on a common plan for Canadian agriculture and food.

“The CFA was very pleased to have a candid exchange with the ministers. We appreciate how receptive the ministers were of the National Food Strategy and look forward to following-up on the discussions and fleshing out the details collaboratively. The hope is that the NFS will help guide the development of Growing Forward 2, the next suite of agricultural policy and programs,” said CFA President, Ron Bonnett.

In their discussions with the ministers, farm and industry leaders emphasized that agriculture and food policy can no longer be addressed through short-term solutions for lasting and evolving challenges. The National Food Strategy was developed by the agriculture and agri-food industry to ensure a more holistic and strategic approach to food and agriculture to meet the needs of the food system and future generations in Canada, as well as the global community.

“The National Food Strategy is important in bringing together the entire value chain for the benefit of all Canadians,” commented Carla Ventin of Food and Consumer Products of Canada during her presentation at the meeting. Judy Shaw of Syngenta echoed this view, noting, “We see this as a strategy to continue building the business of agriculture, to create long-term value for Canada but also one that makes a significant contribution to society.”

“The industry has taken the first step in moving towards finding broader solutions for the value chain, taking into account everything from promoting the Canadian brand and healthy lifestyles to sustaining economic growth and ecosystems. For this to work, we need it to translate into policy. That’s were government comes in, and we are ready and willing to work with them,” commented Bonnett.

The CFA thanked the ministers for participating in the dialogue with leaders along the value chain and was pleased to hear the ministers unanimously support the work done to date on the NFS. Farm and industry leaders will be following-up with their respective ministers and other industry groups as Phase 2 of the NFS begins and action plans are developed.

• Read “Towards a National Food Strategy: A framework for securing the future of food”

-30-