The FPT meetings will occur in Halifax, N.S.
Canada’s ministers of agriculture will meet in Halifax, N.S., this week as they continue to work towards the next policy framework to replace the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald launched consultations on the framework in January. Farms.com has contacted the minister’s office for an interview about the state of the consultations and what issues the industry is concerned about.
As a refresher, here’s what some Canadian ag industry groups are pushing for in the next framework.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture submitted its proposals in May.
This document represents 26 national industry groups across multiple sectors including dairy, grain, meat, and fertilizer.
Highlighted focus areas include increased flexibility and responsiveness in BRM programs, a sector development approach to growth that includes tools and programs outside of AAFC, and streamlined program administration that prioritizes tangible indicators.
“There is a need for outcome-based targets to catalyze investment and coordinate across governments,” the document says.
The Canadian Agricultural Policy Institute (CAPI) views this next agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments as an “opportunity to transform the innovation system and translate ideas into impact,” a June report says.
Canada, CAPI says, generates research and new technology supportive of the ag industry. But investment gaps and regulatory barriers prevent scale-up and industry adoption.
In its report, CAPI put forward three recommendations for the next policy framework.
1. Strengthen innovation leadership and prioritization
2. Modernize regulatory systems
3. Reformed and renewed programs
And Young Agrarians (YA), along with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, want the framework, which will be in effect from 2028 to 2033, to support young farmers and smaller operations.
A post on YA’s website indicates the next policy framework needs a coordinated effort to support new farmers inter-generational farm succession, and “support for local food systems and small/medium sized enterprises.”