Agricultural debate showcases national parties’ priorities prior to election

Apr 22, 2025

Representatives from five national political parties spoke to the most pressing issues facing Canadian agriculture at a debate sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA).

Participants for the debate included Heather Ray with the NDP, Bloc Québécois spokesperson Yves Perron, John Barlow with the Conservative Party, current Agriculture Minister and Liberal Party candidate Kody Blois and Dr. Maria Rodriguez with the Green Party.

The participants had an animated discussion around their vision for the future of Canadian agriculture and how their parties would deal with current issues in the sector and while all five parties were supportive of Canada’s agriculture sector, they differed in their visions of its future and how to help the sector achieve its potential.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.