Canada launches $3 billion National Food Security Strategy

In June, the Canadian federal government unveiled its first National Food Security Strategy, committing more than $3 billion over a ten‑year period to make the food system more affordable, resilient and domestically sourced. The plan targets an increase in the share of healthy food produced in Canada from 75 % to 85 % by 2032, aims to double the value of greenhouse and indoor farming, and seeks to cut labour and energy costs through automation.

Key funding streams include a $1 billion Food‑Link Fund, a $1 billion Agri‑food Project Finance Fund and $750 million for controlled‑environment agriculture. The strategy also proposes competition reforms to address grocery concentration, noting that the top five retailers account for roughly three‑quarters of sales, and calls for regulatory changes to speed approvals at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

While the strategy adopts a whole‑of‑system approach—covering production, processing, distribution, retail and regulation—critics note that it omits any reference to farm advisory services, which are essential for translating new technologies and practices to farmers. The document cites international models such as the Netherlands, France and Japan, where coordinated advisory systems support agricultural innovation.