Federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture met in Winnipeg from Sept. 7 to 9 to discuss ways to support a resilient and competitive Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.
Ministers highlighted challenges, including dry conditions, wildfire impacts, and uncertainty caused by recent tariffs on canola, peas, pork, seafood, and other commodities. They emphasized collaboration to support producers and processors in navigating trade issues, expanding market access, and strengthening critical infrastructure.
“The Honourable Heath MacDonald, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, said the meeting focused on giving producers the tools they need while reinforcing the sector’s competitiveness for years to come.
“From coast to coast to coast, we want to see our producers seize new opportunities, reduce regulatory barriers, expand market access, and drive solid economic growth for the sector as a whole,” MacDonald said.
Manitoba Minister of Agriculture Ron Kostyshyn said the province is committed to supporting farmers amid global market pressures. “Our focus remains on long-term economic stability, while continuing to advocate for initiatives that help producers navigate global market and trade pressures,” he said.
A key topic at the meeting was the sustainability and effectiveness of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs. Ministers reviewed recent adjustments to the AgriStability program, including higher compensation rates and expanded allowable expenses, such as feed costs for rented pasture, starting in 2026. Discussions also considered potential reforms to make the BRM suite more coherent and responsive.
The ministers also addressed the internal trade of food, confirming efforts to uphold the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations while reducing barriers for interprovincial trade. They discussed animal disease preparedness, highlighting progress on African swine fever, highly pathogenic avian influenza, and the establishment of a Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank for Canada.
Other topics included regulatory modernization, pesticide regulation, reducing red tape, harmonizing bovine feed bans with the U.S., and addressing food waste.
The ministers heard from a panel of producers, processors, and food manufacturers on future trade opportunities and infrastructure investments to enhance competitiveness.
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector generated $149.2 billion in 2024, representing about seven per cent of the country’s GDP and employing one in nine Canadians. Global exports of agri-food products totaled $92.2 billion that year.
The next FPT Ministers’ meeting is scheduled to take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia.