CMC Supports Canada’s Food Security Plan While Warning of Labour Challenges.
The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) has welcomed the federal government’s newly announced National Food Security Strategy, highlighting its support for measures designed to strengthen Canada’s domestic food processing sector.
At the same time, the organization has expressed concerns about proposed regulatory exemptions and the lack of action to address ongoing labour shortages affecting the agri-food industry.
The strategy includes several financial commitments, including $1 billion in financing through Farm Credit Canada for food and agriculture businesses, $150 million to assist small and medium-sized enterprises, and an additional $100 million to help commercialize agricultural innovations.
“Canada’s meat processors are at the heart of agricultural communities across the country,” said Sylvain Fournaise, Chair of the CMC.
Fournaise continued, “We welcome the initial investments aimed at expanding domestic food processing capacity, especially at a time when many companies— including small and medium-sized beef processors—are facing significant financial pressures driven by high input costs and evolving global market conditions.”
Despite welcoming the investments, the CMC is concerned about plans to exempt certain non-federally licensed processors from the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations.
The organization believes these regulations play a vital role in maintaining Canada's internationally respected food safety system and supporting export market confidence.
“The Canadian food safety system, administered by the CFIA under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, is recognized internationally as a benchmark for high standards,” said Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of the CMC.
Larkin said, “Any measures that create parallel or differentiated regulatory frameworks risk undermining the confidence that underpins Canada’s export market access. Federally licensed processors continue to invest heavily to maintain the highest food safety standards, and it is important that regulatory changes do not unintentionally disadvantage that system.”
The Council also noted that the strategy does not address chronic labour shortages that continue to limit production capacity across the sector following the end of the Agri-Food Pilot program.
“Many meat processors across Canada are unable to operate at full capacity due to persistent labour shortages,” Larkin added.
“This is not only affecting current production and Canada’s food security objectives, but is also constraining planned investments in facility expansion. Without a durable solution following the Agri-Food Pilot, the sector’s ability to contribute fully to Canada’s economy will remain limited,” concluded Larkin.
Photo Credit: canadian-meat-council