Farm Management Canada Proposes National Ag Risk Strategy
Farm Management Canada has introduced a new report that proposes a National Strategy for Education and Communication on Agricultural Risk Management, aimed at improving how Canadian producers and agricultural service providers understand and use the wide range of risk management programs, tools and practices available to them.
The report highlights that while Canada offers a comprehensive collection of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs and support systems, many producers continue to face challenges due to gaps in education, communication and coordination.
According to the report, these shortcomings limit awareness of both reactive programs and proactive risk management practices that strengthen preparedness, prevention and long-term resilience. As a result, many farm businesses lack the knowledge and confidence needed to fully integrate risk management into everyday decision-making.
“Education and communication are not add-ons to agricultural risk management; they are part of the infrastructure that makes the entire system work,” said Heather Watson, Executive Director, Farm Management Canada.
“Canada has invested significantly in programs and tools, but those investments cannot deliver their full value unless we can understand them, assess their relevance and confidently put them into practice. This strategy offers a practical path to close that gap.”
The strategy builds on the 2025 CAPI report Striking the Balance: Proactive Strategy versus Reactive Response, expanding its focus on proactive planning, prevention, preparedness and adaptation.
It also aligns with the Halifax Statement issued by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers, which emphasizes resilience, climate adaptation, stronger BRM programs, collaboration and informed decision-making.
“The Halifax Statement sets a clear direction: Canada wants an agricultural sector that can anticipate, withstand and adapt to disruption,” said Mathieu Lipari, National Risk Management Lead, Farm Management Canada.
“This strategy shows how we can support that ambition. Farmers need more than isolated program descriptions; they need trusted, practical and sector-relevant guidance that connects risk awareness to proactive planning, informed decisions and action.”
Key recommendations include creating a permanent National Agricultural Risk Management Task Force, developing a shared national risk management framework, improving pathways from information to on-farm implementation, and establishing continuous feedback systems to refine education efforts.
Rather than replacing existing programs, the proposed strategy is designed to complement them while providing flexible guidance tailored to regional needs, production sectors and farm businesses across Canada.
Photo Credit: farm-management-canada