Strengthening agricultural risk management programs

Aug 14, 2026 | 3:06 PM

Gaps in education and communication around business risk management (BRM) programs have hampered Canadian farmers’ ability to use them, according to a Farm Management Canada report.

The report, called National Strategy for Education and Communication on Agricultural Risk Management, said a uniquely Canadian approach would help producers and service providers better understand, navigate and apply the full range of programs, practices and tools to manage risk.

Farm Management Canada Executive Director Heather Watson said better education and communication can improve the value of public and private investments and support better use of BRM programs.

“Canada has invested significantly in programs and tools, but those investments cannot deliver their full value unless we can understand them, assess their relevance and confidently put them into practice,” Watson said. “This strategy offers a practical path to close that gap.”

One of the statement’s four key principles was enhancing sector resilience, including a pledge to “recognize the value of diverse risk management approaches in supporting the sector” and continue to improve BRM programs.

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The strategy closely aligns with the recent Halifax Statement issued by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers. The statement identifies sector resilience as a central priority for the Next Policy Framework and specifically calls for advancing risk management and climate adaptation, recognizing diverse risk management approaches, strengthening emergency planning, improving BRM programs and enabling data-informed decision-making.

The proposed strategy would not replace existing programs, centralize delivery or prescribe farm-level decisions. Instead, it would provide a common foundation while allowing education and communication to be adapted to regional realities, production sectors, farm size, business stage and access to advisory support. It would also clarify complementary roles for governments, farm and agricultural service organizations, financial institutions, academic institutions, advisors and producers.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Alice McFarlane

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Strengthening agricultural risk management programs

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