About

CAPI - the open think network for the agri-food sector


OverviewStimulating Agri-Food Policy

The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) is the place for agri-food leaders to come together, share insights and advance ideas on emerging issues facing this important sector. Established as an independent, non-partisan and not-for-profit corporation in 2004 with an initial grant from the federal government, CAPI is guided by a diverse Board of Directors and works extensively with partners to fulfill its mandate.

CAPI’s work reflects systems thinking, researching complex and interconnected food issues, bringing diverse voices to the table — from across agri-food supply chains, governments, researchers and among adjacent sectors. By providing reference points, source material and education for all stakeholders, CAPI is helping to ensure growth and prosperity in the agri-food industry for generations to come.

“Advancing Canada’s complex agri-food system requires futuristic thinking and open dialogue among the players of the entire food system.”

Mission, Vision, & Values

Objective. Credible. Inclusive.

CAPI provides a trusted place to hold dialogues, generate perspectives, and develop sound future-looking policy options for the Canadian food system. 

CAPI regularly takes the time to reflect and refresh its strategic direction. Read below to learn what is currently guiding CAPI’s work. 

Mission


Lead policy development, collaborate with partners and advance policy solutions within agriculture and food.

Vision


Excellence in advancing policy solutions that realize the full potential of Canada’s agriculture and food system.

Values


Objectivity, Credibility, Inclusivity and Engagement.

Strategic Priority

Improve CAPI’s relevancy, impact and financial sustainability by advancing policy solutions on topics that add value and fill gaps within the agri-food policy ecosystem in Canada.

CAPI’s Approach

Apply CAPI’s key actions to undertake policy-relevant projects, from in-depth research to strategic insights and policy literacy, that address tactical (short-term) and strategic (long-term) issues within the agri-food policy system.

 

Systems Approaches

 

 

Strategic Thinking

 

 

Public-Private Partnerships

 

 

Aspirational Leadership

 

 

Global Perspectives

 

Board of DirectorsGovernance & Guidance

The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) is overseen by a Board of Directors with broad expertise in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

StaffAgri-Food Expertise & Vision

We are helping agri-food players identify their pathways to achieve success. We support “champions” to further the work and build momentum for real change.

Distinguished Fellows Thought Leaders

The Distinguished Fellows are ambassadors encouraging deeper, bolder policy thinking about critical issues affecting Canada’s agri-food system. 

Doctoral Fellows The Next Generation

The 2024-2025 CAPI Doctoral Fellows are a small dynamic, innovative and transdisciplinary research network of doctoral students whose research focuses on land use issues as part of CAPI’s Policies for Land Use, Agriculture and Nature (PLAN) initiative. The CAPI Doctoral Fellowship is supported in part by the RBC Foundation through RBC Tech for Nature and is part of CAPI’s larger environmental initiative, Spearheading Sustainable Solutions and also in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriCompetitiveness Program. 

Honorary MembersHonorary Members

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

Farm Credit Canada

Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Ted Bilyea

Rory Francis

Ken Knox

Gaëtan Lussier

Owen McAuley

Michel R. Saint-Pierre

John F.T. Scott