Agriculture Minister hosts agriculture leaders, launches policy framework talks

The federal government has begun working with agriculture groups and stakeholders to develop its next agriculture policy framework the federal agriculture minister announced on Tuesday.

The Next Policy Framework, which will succeed the current Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will cover the 2028-33 period as the main government mechanism for supporting Canadian agriculture.

On Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald hosted a roundtable in Ottawa with agriculture groups from across Canada.

MacDonald said he will continue to host more negotiations with regional associations and producers. He added the government welcomes submissions to framework via an online consultation and social media.

MacDonald acknowledged the consultations must address the increasing geopolitical challenges producers are facing, but also “position the sector for exciting opportunities ahead.” He pointed to the government’s recent trade agreement with China.

The Next Policy Framework is “a vitally important piece to the success of the industry going forward, and ultimately to the success of the economy of Canada as well,” said Canadian Federation of Agriculture President Keith Currie.

“The important part of developing of any kind of framework is that consultation piece,” Currie said. “It started today, but the great thing is, it’s going to continue in the months ahead, right across the country, so that all of our stakeholders have that opportunity for input.”