CropLife Canada welcomes federal focus on food security

CropLife Canada welcomes the Government of Canada’s release of its National Food Security Strategy and its recognition of food security as a critical national priority. In an increasingly uncertain global environment marked by geopolitical instability, climate pressures, and supply chain disruptions, a coordinated and forward-looking approach to strengthening Canada’s agriculture and food system is both timely and essential.

CropLife Canada is pleased to see the government’s recognition of the importance of seed innovation and crop protection tools as critical inputs that underpin the success of Canadian farmers and protect our domestic food supply. Ensuring Canada has the capacity to produce a stable, abundant and affordable food supply is fundamental not only to our economic resilience, but also to our sovereignty and to our role as a trusted global supplier of food.

We are encouraged to see the government’s focus on driving towards a regulatory environment that is both protective of health and safety while also being an enabler of innovation and productivity. The strategy’s recognition of the importance of updating the mandates of both the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Pesticides Regulatory Directorate to include food security and cost of food considerations is noteworthy as the government moves towards the passage of Bill C-30.

Canadian farmers need timely access to new agricultural innovations to increase agricultural productivity and produce quality and affordable food for Canadians and those around the world who need it. This strategy sets bold targets for reducing seed and crop protection approval backlogs and ensuring approval timelines for new products are met. Canada must move urgently to deliver on these commitments to seize the opportunity to set Canadian agriculture up to be a world-leader in attracting investment in agricultural innovations and truly make Canada an agriculture and food superpower.

CropLife Canada looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Canada and industry partners across the value chain to advance the sector for the benefit of all Canadians. A sharp focus on innovation, science-based decision-making, and regulatory excellence will be critical to ensuring Canada can meet the challenge of feeding a growing population while strengthening its economic and national security in an increasingly uncertain world.