Federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture have recently deliberated on several key issues affecting the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada, including the role played by insurance programs in business risk management.
Meeting during last week’s FPT Ministers of Agriculture conference in Yukon, the Ministers zeroed in on the sector’s resilience and competitiveness and the strength of the food supply chain. They recognized the challenges faced by producers and the need for continued cooperation across different government levels and attentiveness to stakeholders’ concerns.
Improvements to the business risk management (BRM) programs were a critical topic, with Ministers stressing the significance of enhancing the AgriRecovery framework and its coordination with BRM programs, particularly AgriStability and AgriInsurance.
They acknowledged the importance of these programs as a primary defence for producers and committed to keeping them timely, responsive, and effective in managing business risks.
The Ministers also discussed potential adjustments to AgriStability for livestock, with further decisions to be made in their next meeting. Additionally, discussions on livestock price insurance and similar programs are set to continue.
The Ministers announced a $1.2 million short-term funding allocation to support the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct Adjudication Office, following an agreement from major retailers to participate in the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct. The move aims to foster fairness, transparency, and predictability in Canada’s grocery supply chain.
International trade, market diversification, and enhancing the sector’s global competitiveness were key topics as well. The Ministers pledged support for Canada’s trade negotiations and existing free trade agreements, particularly the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. They discussed export market access issues and opportunities to ensure imported products meet domestic standards.
Animal disease preparedness and response were another focus, with the Ministers acknowledging the impact of animal disease on farmers’ mental health. They highlighted the importance of strong collaboration and communication between FPT governments and industry stakeholders on disease prevention, surveillance, and response.
During the conference, the Ministers emphasized the importance of leveraging technology, data, and scientific research to boost the agricultural sector’s productivity, profitability, sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. A panel discussion addressed food production, security, and resiliency, particularly in Northern and Indigenous contexts. Other discussions included labour shortages and the use of single-use plastics.
The next annual meeting is scheduled for July 2025 in Winnipeg.
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