Canadian agriculture and agri-food leaders are urging the government to recognize agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and national development. While they support efforts to improve productivity, ease regulations, and expand trade, they believe agriculture must be made a national priority.
Agriculture plays a vital role in Canada’s economy, contributing nearly $150 billion to GDP and employing over 2.3 million people—more than many other key sectors combined. Despite this economic impact, Canada’s agricultural research funding has declined, ranking last among the top seven OECD countries.
Leaders warn that without change, Canada may fall behind in global markets and risk its future growth.
Other nations are investing boldly in agriculture technology, production, and export growth. However, Canada’s market share has dropped by 12% since 2000. Productivity growth, once 2.2%, is now projected to slow to 1% by 2030.
Leaders believe the time is now to unlock agriculture’s full potential. They call for agriculture to be treated as a national economic pillar, supporting sustainability, innovation, and food security.
CFA says that with the right investments, the sector could double its GDP contribution, adding $100 billion by 2035.
They urge the government to take four key actions:
Create a growth plan with targets for innovation, production, value-added processing, exports, and a stable labor force.
Align regulations with food security goals and reduce burdens to attract investment.
Improve trade and transportation infrastructure, including rail, ports, and cold storage.
Modernize risk management tools to respond to climate and market changes.
With its natural resources and skilled workforce, Canada has the potential to lead in sustainable food production. Agriculture can secure both Canada’s future and its place on the world stage if bold action is taken now.
Farm leaders are ready to partner with the government to make this vision a reality says CFA.