Canadian Farmers encouraged to participate on February 10 as part of Canada’s Ag Day.
Canada’s Ag Day is a national moment to recognize the people who grow, raise, make, and move our food. Ag Day will be on February 10th and it will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.
But beneath the celebration lies something even more essential: our food system depends on trust.
People will always need food. But buying food is not the same as believing in the system behind it. When public interest fades, distance grows. When distance grows, understanding weakens. And when understanding weakens, confidence in agriculture—its practices, its people, and its future—begins to erode explains Lisa Bishop-Spencer, Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI).
Recent research from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) shows that public impressions of Canada’s food system have improved, supported in part by strong pro Canadian sentiment: 45% of Canadians believing the food system is heading in the right direction, a 14-point increase from 2024. This is good news for the sector. But it also comes with a caution.
Momentum without connection is temporary.
We saw this clearly during the pandemic. For a time, Canadians’ appreciation for agriculture surged. Farmers were hailed as essential. Supply chains were publicly recognized. But as the crisis faded, that appreciation quickly returned to pre pandemic norms reminds Bishop-Spencer.
This is exactly why Canada’s Ag Day matters. “It is not just about recognition. It is about connection. It is about helping Canadians see themselves in the food system and understand the people, values, and innovation that sustain it every day,” says Bishop-Spencer.
It is not just an observance. It is an opportunity to connect Canadians to the people and values behind their food, to remind them that the food system is more than shelves and supply—it is families, innovators, and communities working every day to keep the country fed.
Trust is not a “nice to have.” It is a cornerstone of Canada’s food system. When trust is strong:
- Innovation is supported
- Policy discussions are more informed
- The agriculture sector is better positioned to face challenges—from global markets to climate pressures
According to ScienceDirect.com, despite fluctuations in overall trust, 71%–74% of consumers agree Canada has high food quality standards. A trusted food system is a resilient food system.
On February 10, we celebrate. We honour the people behind Canada’s food. And we also recommit to strengthening trust, understanding, and connection—because the future of Canadian agriculture depends on it.
CCFI is urging Canadian Farmers to promote Canada’s Agriculture Day on February 10. CCFI has made it easy for you to celebrate Canada’s Agriculture Day and amplify our collective voice, they have prepared a social media toolkit with posts and visuals ready to share on your networks on February 10.
This year, your participation might be more important than ever!