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A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Future of Food & Agriculture FEEDING THE FUTURE:
Building a More Resilient, Innovative, and Sustainable Agriculture Sector Minister Heath MacDonald shares the government's plan to strengthen food production, drive agricultural innovation, and support producers in building a resilient, competitive food system.
Read the entire interviews online at innovatingcanada.ca.
What is your vision for ensuring Most importantly, the Strategy greenhouses, vertical farms, and long-term food security while One of introduces new actions to provide other enclosed growing spaces. Canada’s leading engineering firms is advancing an approach to infrastructure that’s supporting Canadian producers? long-lasting support to Canadian famThese will be major contributors to investment, grounded in asset durability, data-driven decisions, and long-term value. We just launched Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy to strengthen Canada’s food self-sufficiency and improve access to affordable, nutritious food for all Canadians. It builds upon actions the Government has already taken, such as the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit that will be a significant support for more than 12 million Canadians, and the National School Food Program, feeding up to 400,000 more children annually.
ilies, producers, independent grocers, and food and beverage processors. For example, there is $1 billion in new funds over 10 years for a new Food Link Fund to update and create wholesale food terminals, and for new food hubs. This will develop more direct links between farmers and consumers and drive competition in the food retail market. We will also be investing $750 million to dramatically expand yearround Canadian production of fruits and vegetables, including through
reducing our dependence on imports and long distribution networks outside of Canada, especially in rural and northern communities. New funds will support the Competition Bureau and Competition Tribunal to increase their capacity to prevent anti-competitive behaviour, and to study competition throughout the food supply chain. The Strategy will also help small and medium-sized processors and innovators modernize, increase productivity, and attract new
so Canada can process more of what our farmers grow, create new jobs, and build greater food self-sufficiency. We will also be helping young farmers, making it easier for them to take over the family farm, either from their parents or from more distant relatives. And we will work to reduce costs and grow the economy while protecting health and safety by cutting red tape and fostering collaborations among all levels of government.
A Strong Food System Doesn't Happen by Accident Canada's food system is one of our country's strengths, but success depends on the capacity to develop talent, advance innovation and convene partners.
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Written by
John Cranfield Dean, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph
anada's food system has long been one of our country's strengths. Despite growing pressures from extreme weather events and labour shortages to supply-chain disruptions and global competition, our agricultural sector continues to provide safe, reliable food for Canadians. That success does not happen by accident. It depends on the capacity to develop talent, advance innovation and bring together partners across the agrifood value chain. A strong food system is built through long-term investments in people, research, infrastructure and collaboration. It depends on scientists developing more resilient crop and livestock management systems, food scientists enhancing food quality and safety, businesses bringing innovations to market, and the next generation of leaders prepared to navigate an increasingly complex system. This is where the University of Guelph and the Ontario Agricultural College play a critical role.
Innovation meets experience For more than 150 years, we have worked alongside producers, industry organizations, governments and communities to strengthen Ontario's and Canada's agrifood sector. Talent and people are at the heart of this work. We are preparing graduates who understand not only agriculture, but also data, technology, sustainability, food
systems and markets. Programs such as our Master of Sustainable Agriculture equip students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to help producers navigate evolving challenges around productivity, environmental stewardship, technology adoption and business resilience. Innovation is equally important. Across our campuses, researchers are working alongside producers, processors, industry partners, and government to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges. Their work spans the entire agri-food spectrum, from improving crop performance and animal health to advancing food science, nutrition and sustainability, to commercializing new technology. The goal is simple: to create Canadian solutions for Canadian producers and food businesses, helping them remain competitive while producing safe, reliable food that Canadians can trust. None of this happens in isolation.
Working together to help feed the country The most impactful solutions emerge when industry, government and academia work together. The University of Guelph's long-standing partnership with
The most impactful solutions emerge when industry, government and academia work together. the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance supports research, innovation and talent development that strengthens Ontario's food system and helps build the province's capacity to respond to future challenges. Industry partnerships are equally important. Researchers work directly with commodity groups and businesses to address emerging needs and opportunities. For example, Dr. Alexandra Harlander, the Egg Farmers of Canada Chair in Poultry Welfare, leads research on hen behaviour and welfare to inform national animal care standards while providing producers with science-based insights that support both animal health and industry success. The future of food will not be shaped by any one organization acting alone. It will be built by a network of innovators, leaders and collaborators working together to create a stronger, more resilient food system. At the University of Guelph, we are proud to play a leading role in building a stronger, resilient and secure food system for Canadians.
Visit uoguelph.ca to learn more. This article was sponsored by the University of Guelph. Guelph
Publisher: Ugo Galtier, Arlene Asika Business Development Manager: Maya Mezerhane Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.
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