Explore / Resources

This is an exciting time for Canadian agriculture and agri-food. CAPI contributes in a tangible way to the sector by convening dialogue, synthesizing relevant ideas and completing quality policy research to optimize growth of the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada in four key areas: (1) enhancing natural capital; (2) optimizing growth; (3) facilitating trade; and (4) securing public trust.

What became clear throughout the CAPI consultations across Canada was that while there was a general consensus that the sector has what it takes to achieve the Barton growth targets, it will need to do more to achieve “quality” growth. This will require maintaining Canada’s natural capital, enhancing Canadians’ health and well-being and preserving public trust more than ever before.

At the Ottawa “Barton Forward” workshop in May 2018, CAPI CEO Don Buckingham set out the four looming challenges and opportunities in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector: maintaining natural capital; keeping foreign markets open; embracing innovation and “desilofying” federal and provincial policy initiatives affecting the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada.

Ted Bilyea, former Chair of the Board and now Special Advisor to CAPI presents a comprehensive view of the potential for future growth of the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector in light of an increasing world population, world demand for specific food stuffs highlighting the competitive advantage Canada enjoys because of its resource base and agricultural practices.

This piece presents new thinking on regulatory alignment in food safety for agriculture and agri-food stakeholders on the frontlines of Canada-US economic policy. Food safety is not just about consumer protection, it’s about enhancing the competitiveness of the Canada-US agri-food supply chain around the world by having an efficient but well-functioning and coordinated food safety regime.