Canada Farm Organizations Push for Data and Investment

Jul 18, 2024

CFA Joins Ag Data Transparent to Boost Canadian Agriculture

Prior to the recent CFA FTP Roundtable, the CFA Board solidified its dedication to data transparency by officially becoming an industry member of Ag Data Transparent.

During the recent meeting, CFA underscored the significance of data and innovation in enhancing productivity within Canadian agriculture. Emphasizing better economic results, responsive risk management, improved sustainability metrics, and superior protection for animals and crops from diseases.

“Data is critical as farmers continue to explore opportunities to increase efficiencies and measure their sustainability. Creating the conditions to optimize access to and use of on-farm data is needed to harness the sector’s astounding potential as a driver of environmental solutions, economic development opportunities, and a significant contributor to food security in Canada and abroad."

"At CFA we truly believe that Canadian agriculture is uniquely positioned to feed Canadians and the world while delivering climate solutions. Investing in data and data-driven solutions is the critical lynch-pin to achieving that goal,” said Keith Currie, CFA President.

The CFA presented several key recommendations to Ministers for maximizing data's potential in agriculture:

Develop a Pan-Canadian Data Strategy to bolster public and private investments in research, programming, digital skills, and outcome-based metrics and reporting.
Increase investment in rural connectivity to provide adequate in-field network access, supporting emerging agtech opportunities for farmers.
Create programs that facilitate the adoption of connectivity solutions and ensure legislative support for farm equipment interoperability.
Enhance capacity building for farm organizations that can safeguard farmers' data and invest in standards and new agricultural extension services to aid agtech adoption.

The board also addressed the disparity between available investment and the needs of Canadian farmers, given their contributions to the national economy and global food security, and their role as environmental solution providers.

To maintain competitiveness, drive innovation, and attract investment, the board urged for substantial government investment in Canadian agriculture.

Additionally, the CFA discussed its international role through leadership in the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO), engagement with the World Trade Organization (WTO), and participation in United Nations climate negotiations.

Emphasis was placed on maintaining a resilient domestic agricultural sector while also focusing on dynamic export opportunities. The board agreed on the necessity of collaboration and presenting a united front on key trade issues, including the forthcoming CUSMA review.

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.