Regina 
Prime Minister Mark Carney has launched Canada’s first National Food Security Strategy, a 10-year plan backed by more than $3 billion to make the country’s food system more affordable, competitive and resilient.
Credit: Winter Farm
According to the news release, the strategy addresses a central concern that Canada is a major agri-food exporter, yet Canadians continue to face some of the highest grocery costs in the G7. The government says food prices are being shaped by trade shifts, global conflicts and climate change, while domestic food chains rely too heavily on foreign suppliers.
The plan focuses on grocery competition, Canadian food production, year-round produce and fewer delays across the agricultural supply chain nationwide in Canada.
- More competition in grocery retail: The government plans to invest $1 billion in food infrastructure, including new and expanded food terminals and hubs. The goal is to help independent grocers buy and move competitively priced products without depending on large retail chains. Nearly $130 million will also go to the Competition Bureau and Competition Tribunal to investigate, prevent and combat anti-competitive business practices.
- More food processing in Canada: A new $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund will be launched through Farm Credit Canada. It is meant to provide seed capital financing for businesses that want to expand food processing capacity. The strategy also includes a $150 million Food Security Fund for small and medium-sized businesses to upgrade equipment, along with a $100 million Collaborative Food Innovation Fund for agri-food processing.
- Year-round fruits and vegetables: The plan sets aside $750 million to expand Canadian production of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. This includes greenhouses, vertical farms and other enclosed growing spaces, with the aim of increasing the domestic supply of fresh produce.
- Less red tape for farmers and producers: The strategy calls for modernized regulations and faster approvals for seeds, feed, fertilizers and veterinary products. It also aims to help provincially licensed food businesses meet federal requirements, so products made in one province or territory can more easily be sold in another.
- Other support measures: The release also points to $20 million for food banks and community food organizations, permanent funding for the National School Food Program serving up to 400,000 children each year, and the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which will reach more than 12 million Canadians.
