Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture concluded their annual conference on July 17 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
As the five-year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) comes to an end in 2028, Ministers issued the “Halifax Statement”, which outlines the shared vision, principles, and key priorities that will guide the development of the Next Policy Framework (2028-2033).
Ministers reviewed progress to strengthen Business Risk Management (BRM) programs under the Sustainable CAP. They reaffirmed that programs must be flexible, responsive and reflect evolving producer needs amid increasing economic and production risks, while remaining accessible to producers. Ministers agreed in principle to take the necessary steps to bring forward AgriStability changes related to non-arm’s-length labour and contract work, considering impacts on small farms. The objective is to reach a decision for the 2027 program year, subject to the necessary approvals within provinces’ and territories’ respective jurisdictions. Ministers also agreed to return with their respective positions on a potential increase to the AgriStability payment cap for the next framework. Looking ahead to the Next Policy Framework (NPF), Ministers underscored the need to engage industry to improve BRM programs, ensuring they are timely, equitable and efficient in managing risks beyond producers’ control. They also directed officials to prioritize longer-term work on potential changes to BRM programs for Ministerial consideration.
Ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining, diversifying, and expanding market access. They discussed the value of relationships with key international partners and the benefits and challenges of Canada’s existing trade agreements. In light of ongoing global trade uncertainty, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the agriculture and agri-food sector remains competitive and resilient. Ministers also discussed work underway to carry out the First Ministers’ commitment to reduce internal trade barriers in food and agriculture, encouraging FPT collaboration with industry to maintain food safety and reduce irritants, while protecting export market access.
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