CAAR in Action

By Myrna Grahn

This week, I am in Ottawa attending the Canadian Federation of Agriculture’s AGM and conference, focused on, “Laying the Foundation: Investing Today for the Future of Canadian Agriculture.” Ag retailers are recognized as the key link in the supply chain with direct access to growers. I am excited to be meeting with representatives from producer/grower organizations from across Canada, deputy ministers from Finance and Agriculture and Agri-Food and influential speakers on timely topics.

February has been an instrumental month for CAAR as it continues to champion the interests of Canada’s ag retail sector through strong advocacy, industry engagement and policy discussions. With ag retailers playing a critical role in ensuring farmers have access to the products, services and expertise they need, CAAR has been actively working to address key challenges, ensure strong knowledge translation of the facts to our members, influence and disseminate regulatory decisions and amplify the collective voice of Canada’s ag retailers. This month’s efforts reflect CAAR’s unwavering commitment to supporting the sector’s growth, sustainability and long-term success for a thriving business environment. As your executive director, I ensured your perspective was heard at the following meetings CAAR was invited to attend:

  • Keystone Agricultural Producers AGM and conference, Feb. 3–4 in Winnipeg, Man.
  • Seeds Canada U.S. tariff member meeting on Feb. 4
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada information sharing on possible U.S. tariff impacts on the agriculture and agri-food sector
  • Ag Value Chain: Canada-U.S. trade discussion
  • Cereals Canada MRL Assessment Committee made some decisions – all results about product categorization and MRL decisions can be found on the Keep it Clean website
  • Canadian Agriculture Consortium meeting focused on U.S. proposed tariffs and proactive actions to mitigate impacts

National Agriculture Risk Management Forum – Feb. 10

This event was held on Feb. 10 and hosted by Farm Management Canada and the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI).

  • We engaged in presentations, conversations and breakout discussions focused on a proactive approach to managing farm risk in Canada. CFA presented, “Understanding the Risk Landscape Farmers are Facing”;
  • MNP shared the “Tools Available to Manage Risk”; and CAPI presented the results from the RealAgriStudies Risk Management Survey about understanding producers’ risk management activities, preferences and needs.
  • Breakout discussions were based on the perspectives of farmers, business advisors, ag retailers, lenders and insurers. How can we more effectively recognize and manage those risks within our control? Who needs to be involved? What strategies and tools already exist and what additional supports are needed to do your work in helping farmers have a comprehensive risk management plan?
    Agronomists working at ag retail locations were mentioned as the trusted source of information for many farmers. Do they have the resources and tools they need to assist their customers, the farmers/growers, in this way?

CAAIN and the Government of Canada – Exploring Canada’s Role in Global Agriculture – Feb. 10

John Weekes, who was Canada’s chief negotiator for the original NAFTA and is currently a member of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. relations, joined Kim McConnell for a fireside chat. This was no Sunday afternoon chat; it was as direct and real as a chat could be about what “Trump 2.0” means for Canadian business. You can read John’s article in Policy magazine here.

Future of Food – Canada’s Agriculture Day on Feb. 11

On Feb. 11, 2025, Ottawa became the epicentre of bold ideas and groundbreaking discussions as industry leaders, farmers, policymakers and innovators gathered for the Future of Food conference, held in celebration of Canada’s Agriculture Day.

This event gathered leaders from all sectors of agriculture, sparking conversations on food production, technology, sustainability and policy, to shape the future of Canada’s agri-food industry. FCC’s president and CEO, Justine Hendricks, so aptly coined the overarching theme of the day, “Ag and Food Needs All of Us,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the sector. We are Team Canada!

Event overview:

  • The day session featured a series of presentations and panel discussions. Topics ranged from Canada’s role in global agri-food trade to innovations in sustainable farming practices. Notable speakers included John Stackhouse, senior vice-president at the Royal Bank of Canada, and Kallie Wood, president and CEO of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food.
  • Following a day of thought-provoking panels and dynamic discussions, attendees gathered at the Sir John A. Macdonald Building for an evening reception, celebrating the incredible food that Canada produces. It was an opportunity for networking and reflection on the day’s discussions.
  • With collaboration, innovation and sustainability at its core, the 2025 Future of Food event set the stage for a thriving, resilient and forward-thinking agri-food sector. As Canada’s agricultural community continues to evolve, this event reaffirmed that the future of food is not just about what’s on our plates – it’s about how we grow, produce and sustain it for generations to come.
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