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Halifax Statement sets strong foundation for the Next Policy Framework
Last week, Canada's federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture released the Halifax Statement, outlining priorities for Canada's next agricultural policy framework.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
The Halifax Statement is a multilateral agreement signed by Canada's Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture. It outlines four core priorities for Canada's agricultural sector: driving economic growth and productivity, diversifying international trade, advancing agricultural science and innovation, and enhancing overall sector resilience.
The Halifax statement's focus on economic growth, regulatory modernization, innovation, market diversification and business risk management aligns closely with the priorities that CAAR has identified as essential to a strong, competitive agriculture sector. CAAR encourages governments to translate these priorities into practical policies that strengthen the entire agricultural value chain—including ag retailers who help deliver innovation, products and expertise to Canadian farmers.
CAAR encourages governments to ensure the Next Policy Framework includes:
- Modern, science-based regulation that provides timely access to innovation, reduces unnecessary red tape and creates a predictable business environment.
- Investments in workforce development to address labour shortages and build the next generation of ag retail professionals.
- Recognition of ag retailers as key partners in adopting innovation, ensuring farmers have access to trusted agronomic advice and support.
- Investments in rural infrastructure and modernization to strengthen business competitiveness and help ag retailers continue serving farming communities.
- Greater supply chain resilience to ensure farmers have reliable access to crop inputs, products and services when they need them.
CAAR looks forward to working with governments as the Next Policy Framework is developed to advance practical, operational and science-based policies that strengthen Canada's ag retail sector and the farmers it serves.
WHAT CAN CAAR MEMBERS DO?
Talk to your provincial government representative, such as your MLA or agriculture minister and their staff to share your thoughts about what agriculture and ag retail needs to remain competitive. You can also reach out to your local MP to provide your feedback federally. As an ag retailer, your input and suggestions are important as governments work on the Next Policy Framework.
Ag retailers are trusted partners who connect farmers with the products, expertise and services they need to innovate, manage risk and produce food sustainably. You play a vital role in helping farmers adopt new technologies, improve productivity and remain globally competitive. Strong ag retail businesses mean stronger farmers, stronger rural communities and a more competitive Canadian agriculture sector.
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