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An update from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

Welcome to the Food for Thought newsletter!

As part of our Food for Thought campaign, you signed up to receive further emails and updates on Canadian farmers and agriculture.

This is our 17th issue, taking a look at food prices in Canada, what makes Canadian chicken special, nutrient management, temporary foreign workers in agriculture and more!

Food Prices in Canada – What Are the Main Drivers?

Canadians continue to feel the pinch at the grocery store, and the newly released Canada’s Food Price Report 2026 confirms that food prices are not coming down anytime soon. The report forecasts that food prices will rise another 4% to 6% in 2026, adding close to $1,000 to the annual grocery bill for an average family of four.

While consumers see the final price at the checkout, the pressures behind those prices start much earlier, on farms, in processing plants, and across global supply chains. From drought‑stricken cattle herds to rising input costs and ongoing trade disputes, multiple forces are shaping what Canadians pay for food in 2026.

It’s critical to recognize that farmgate prices have a modest influence on retail food prices. Recognizing that reality, here are the main challenges farmers contend with that can result in rising food prices, with a closer look at how they are impacting farmers and your grocery bill.

Stronger Farms Means a Stronger BC

While previous generations often had direct connections to farming, today many Canadian consumers are removed from agriculture and may know little about the challenges farmers face. Interest in food production grew significantly during the pandemic, and then again due to supply chain disruptions and the trade dispute with the US.

BC farmers have faced numerous challenges in recent years including floods, wildfires, extreme heat, avian influenza, and ongoing drought conditions. These events have highlighted the important role agriculture plays in providing a stable food supply, supporting rural communities, and contributing to local economies.

Despite these challenges, BC farmers continue to adapt by adopting new technologies and practices that improve water conservation and strengthen resilience to changing weather conditions.

Supporting local farmers helps sustain jobs, strengthens communities, and contributes to a more resilient and food-secure future for British Columbia and Canada.

Feeding Canada Together: How Farmers and International Workers Grow Our Food

When Canadians visit grocery stores or sit down for a meal, few stop to consider the people behind the food on their plates. Among them are thousands of international workers who play a vital role in Canadian agriculture each year. Their contributions, alongside Canadian farmers and domestic workers, help ensure that fresh, safe, and high-quality food reaches our tables.

Sesame Crusted Chicken with Wasabi Cream Sauce

This recipe is a quick, flavourful grilled chicken dish with an Asian-inspired twist. It features tender chicken breasts that are marinated in teriyaki sauce, then coated in a mix of black and white sesame seeds to create a crunchy, nutty crust. The chicken is finished on the grill, giving it a lightly smoky flavour and a crisp exterior.

Mushroom, Apple and Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash

This recipe is a hearty, oven-baked vegetable dish that works well as a comforting side or vegetarian main. It features roasted acorn squash halves filled with a savoury stuffing made from sautéed mushrooms, apples, celery, herbs, bread, and walnuts.

The flavours strike a balance between earthy, sweet, and nutty—with mushrooms providing depth, apples adding a hint of sweetness, and toasted walnuts bringing texture. The bread-based stuffing soaks up vegetable stock and butter, creating a soft, rich filling that contrasts nicely with the tender roasted squash.

Chipotle-Style Burrito Bowl

This recipe is a fresh, build-your-own style burrito bowl that brings a Chipotle-inspired meal into your own kitchen. It features seasoned pork tenderloin cooked until browned and juicy, served over a base of cilantro-lime rice mixed with black beans.

The bowl is then layered with classic toppings like crisp lettuce, tomato, and melted cheese, with optional extras such as salsa or guacamole for added flavour. The seasoning blend—lime, chili, and warm spices—gives the pork a zesty, smoky kick that ties everything together.

Apple Temptation Smoothie

This recipe is a smooth, creamy and nutrient-packed smoothie that blends dairy and fruit with a subtle twist. It combines milk and vanilla yogurt with applesauce and cooked sweet potato, creating a naturally sweet base with a rich, velvety texture.

Chia seeds add a boost of fibre and thickness, while a touch of cinnamon gives it a warm, comforting flavour that complements the apple.