The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) framed its agenda for the federal-provincial-territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting on July 16-17, with an emphasis on data for sustained growth. 

During the meeting, farm leaders highlighted critical policy issues affecting Canadian agriculture, including:

·        Mental health and national farmer wellness,

·        Challenges and opportunities in growing agriculture in the Yukon,

·        The evolving role of the Senate and its role in addressing agricultural issues, and

·        Canada’s agri-food innovation ecosystem.

The board also discussed the growing disconnect between the level of investment available to support Canadian farmers given the sector’s contributions to the Canadian economy and global food security, as well as its potential as an environmental solutions provider. To remain competitive, drive continued innovation, and attract investment into the agriculture sector, governments must ambitiously invest in Canadian agriculture at a rate far exceeding what is currently made available. 

The board also discussed CFA’s role on the international stage through leadership at the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO), ongoing engagement with the World Trade Organization (WTO), and a strong presence at United Nations climate negotiations. 

On July 17th, CFA hosted the Annual FPT Agriculture Ministers Roundtable. During this meeting, CFA highlighted how data and innovation are the key to unlocking further productivity in Canadian agriculture, through better economic outcomes, more responsive risk management, improved sustainability benchmarking and reporting as well as greater protection of animals and crops from diseases.

CFA made the following recommendations to Ministers to unlock the potential of data in agriculture:

·        Develop a Pan-Canadian Data Strategy that supports public and private investment in research, programming, digital skills and outcome-based measurement and reporting.

·        Expand investment in rural connectivity to ensure sufficient in-field network access to support the range of agtech opportunities emerging for farmers. 

·        Establish programming to support the adoption of connectivity solutions and make a legislative commitment to support farm equipment interoperability.

·        Support capacity building for farm groups that are best positioned to protect farmers’ data, as well as investments in standards and new agricultural extension services to support ag tech adoption. 

“Data is critical as farmers continue to explore opportunities to increase efficiencies and measure their sustainability,” said Keith Currie, CFA president. “Creating the conditions to optimize access to and use of on-farm data is needed to harness the sector’s astounding potential as a driver of environmental solutions, economic development opportunities, and a significant contributor to food security in Canada and abroad. At CFA we truly believe that Canadian agriculture is uniquely positioned to feed Canadians and the world while delivering climate solutions. Investing in data and data-driven solutions is the critical lynch-pin to achieving that goal.”

Source:  Canadian Federation of Agriculture July 18, 2024 news release