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By Alice McFarlane

Agri-Food Risk Report

Report sees optimism for future but are concerned with policy, extreme weather, and trade risks

Jul 26, 2024 | 3:22 PM

Policy and regulatory environment, extreme weather, trade barriers and protectionism are the three risks seen as the most significant threats to the agri-food sector.

That came from more than 500 farmers, food processors, government personnel, researchers, industry representatives, conservation groups, and other stakeholders in Phase 1 of the Agri-Food Risk Report.

The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), supported by the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan, wanted to identify key risks and recommend policy solutions to solve these challenges to unlock the full potential of the sector.

GIFS CEO Steve Webb said 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,” Webb said. “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.”

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In addition to policy, extreme weather, and trade being identified as the top three risks, each was identified as a problem faced today. 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.

However, the news is not all bad.

The majority, or 62 per cent 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.

CAPI managing director Tyler McCann said 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,” McCann said. “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.”

The full report can be found here.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW