Collaboration critical to accomplishing key objectives can mean that credit for hard work is unevenly recognized, however, now is the time in agriculture when getting things done must take precedence over recognition.
Almost all agricultural commodities are facing existential threats. War has triggered supply chain disruptions and is pushing up input costs. Trade within North America is suddenly uncertain. Protectionism is on the rise around the world, with Chinese tariffs on pork and Europe’s non-tariff trade barriers being two leading examples.
Pulling in the same direction
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Agriculture should be taking a “whole plate” approach to addressing these issues and not trying to fix things one commodity at a time. If the industry can step out of commodity silos and regional perspectives, we can not only address these threats, but realize the vision of making Canada a global food powerhouse.
There are positive steps in this direction, but no standard practice. The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has brought together a coalition under the banner “Let’s Grow Canada” to support policies that will encourage investment in research and development. CropLife Canada’s “Grow Canada Strong” initiative has similar objectives. Farm Credit Canada has launched a “Let’s Grow Canada” website with the intent of showcasing the stories behind Canadian farmers and food producers.
Canada currently ranks last in ag research investment among the top seven countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. This must change if we are to weather the geopolitical storms the country is facing. Canada is at an inflection point where agriculture has an opportunity to present governments with a vision for attracting private sector research and development investment rather than just waiting for public sector solutions.
A united front on CUSMA
The review of our most important trade agreement, CUSMA, is underway. The implications for Canadian agriculture are massive. The aggressive shift in U.S. foreign and trade policies over the past years, coming from both political parties, clearly show us that the renegotiation will be difficult.
All of export agriculture needs to come together to develop a strategic plan on how we approach these negotiations. We need to be prepared to deliver real-time advice to our negotiating team that is consistent and united. We need to be prepared to tell our governments things they might not want to hear. We need to have systematic outreach to our partners in the U.S. commodity groups, who cannot afford to “go it alone” and hope for positive outcomes.
Developing this united front requires leaders who are willing to take some risks and step outside of the comfort zone that operating in commodity and regional silos offer.
Immigration: an agriculture solution
Labour is another key policy issue that requires a common front if Canada is to become an international food powerhouse. Almost all sectors of agriculture face labour shortages. New Canadians are an integral part of meeting these needs. Immigration policies in Canada are being questioned due to housing and service shortages in our major cities, but what is needed in Toronto, Vancouver or Montreal is not what is needed in rural Canada and at our processing plants.
Agriculture needs a unified voice to tell the story about how stable jobs for new Canadians in agriculture and food production are building communities across the country. Rather than short soundbites from political leaders, we need thoughtful immigration and labour policies targeting regional, and sectoral, needs.
The Canadian economy is facing undeniable threats due to geopolitical instability and rising protectionism. Agriculture and food production in Canada can be key in mitigating these threats. To seize the opportunity, we need to present governments with united and consistent policy solutions. Agriculture needs to lead the way rather than wait for others to present solutions to us.
