The annual conference of federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from September 7 to 9, 2025. Ministers recognized the impacts of dry conditions and wildfire activity affecting regions across Canada, and the significant uncertainty caused by tariffs.

Ministers highlighted ongoing engagement activities across governments, industry and with key sector partners and acknowledged the recently imposed tariffs’ impacts on the sector and the economy. Trade action on Canadian canola, peas, pork, and seafood and other commodities has significant financial and economic implications for the agriculture and agri-food industry. To support the sector’s ability to navigate evolving trade dynamics, Ministers emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement with key trading partners, including the United States and China, while expanding and diversifying market access and enhancing critical infrastructure.

Throughout the conference, discussions focused on ensuring that Business Risk Management (BRM) programs are sustainable and reflect the needs of producers. Ministers reviewed recent adjustments to the AgriStability program for the 2025 program year, including increases to both the compensation rate and the maximum payment limit. In their discussions on the next policy framework, Ministers explored opportunities for potential reforms to the BRM suite and tasked officials with continuing to assess and develop options that ensure programs are more coherent and responsive.

FPT Ministers discussed their commitment to preserving the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as the basis for interprovincial and territorial trade of food in Canada, while continuing joint efforts on the slaughter availability pilot projects and pursuing a number of other opportunities to further facilitate internal trade.

Ministers heard a presentation from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). They highlighted the importance of a science and evidence-based regulatory system that is predictable, reliable, economic-minded and timely. Ministers discussed the need to enhance collaboration and consultation among governments to improve the efficiency of the pesticide regulation system, investment in research to promote innovative pest management and preventative tools.

The next annual FPT Ministers’ meeting will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Source:  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada September 9, 2025 news release