Stakeholders have concerns about the government and private sector’s ability to find solutions to these key challenges, but recognize opportunities for growth.

[Ottawa, Ont. July 16, 2024] – Policy and regulatory environment. Extreme weather. Trade barriers and protectionism. These three risks were deemed as the most significant threats to the agri-food sector by more than 500 farmers, food processors, government personnel, researchers, industry representatives, conservation groups, and other stakeholders.

Phase 1 of the Agri-Food Risk Report, the first step in a series of work undertaken by The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) and supported by the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan, seeks to identify key risks and recommend policy solutions to solve these challenges to unlock the full potential of the sector.

“Canada is a sustainable producer of safe and nutritious food the world needs. To continue to optimize this role in the face of declining global agriculture productivity, we need to identify key risks and solve challenges innovatively and collaboratively,” says Steve Webb, CEO of GIFS. “Phase 1 of the Agri-Food Risk Report addresses the first step and by working together we can deliver innovative solutions to address these risks.”

In addition to policy, extreme weather, and trade being identified as the top three risks, each was identified as being a problem that we already face today, chronic in nature, and complex risks that will be a challenge to solve. Other risks identified include input affordability, farm income and debt, human resources, and climate change. The data indicates there is concern with the government and private sector’s ability to reduce or mitigate these risks.

Yet, the news is not all bad.

The majority – 62% – of stakeholders are optimistic about the future. This optimism stems from the opportunity for the Canadian agri-food sector to be increasingly competitive economically and to leverage emerging markets. To achieve this, policy should focus on meeting increasing demand, increasing competitiveness of the sector, adding value to the overall agri-food supply chain, supporting Canada to become a leader in sustainability, and improving the sustainability of the sector.

“The landscape in which Canadian agriculture produces food is increasingly complex, chaotic and conflicted. Now more than ever we need an effective policy landscape that gives the sector tools to manage these risks. And that is what the Agri-Food Risk Report is intended to be,” says Tyler McCann, managing director of CAPI. “It’s a first of its kind initiative, filling an important gap in our sector. It provides critical insights to bring together diverse voices for dialogue and debate about agriculture and food across Canada.”

Read the report here.

The Agri-Food Risk Report Phase 1 is just the beginning. In the coming months, CAPI will convene industry leaders for thoughtful conversation and collaboration, and a second report will follow in the fall. Data for the Agri-Food Risk Report Phase 1 was collected via an online survey, conducted in partnership with the Angus Reid Institute between April 30 to May 28, 2024, which surveyed farmers, government, industry, and civil society stakeholders from across Canada.