Canada’s new agriculture minister moves to cut red tape for food producers amid tariff threats

Mar 21, 2025

Canada’s new Agriculture Minister is proposing several reforms to make the country’s food producers more resilient against U.S. tariffs, including faster approval for livestock feed ingredients, moving beyond outdated mad cow regulations, and rethinking labelling for fruits and vegetables.

Kody Blois announced the measures, which included a list of changes for Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), on Tuesday, two weeks before U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping 25-per-cent tariffs on all Canadian goods are set to become effective.

But Mr. Blois said the changes, proposed ahead of a federal election, are also meant to signal a broader strategy for Canadian food production.

“Enabling a competitive advantage and level playing field for Canadian agricultural products are among my top priorities,” he said in the announcement.

Food producers and agricultural experts have long sought a more efficient food safety apparatus, and they’re hoping this trade crisis, new Liberal leadership and changes to some food safety regulations will be the start of a new chapter.

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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.