CAAR has completed year one of its long-term strategic plan, developed in fall 2018 to guide the association’s focus and direction. As we prepare to embark on the next phase of our long-term strategy, we also enter a new decade of supporting agri-retailers influencing world class food production.

The past year challenged all sectors of Canadian agriculture production and industry. Weather, logistics, societal pressures, regulations, tariffs and trade access to export markets. It will take some effort to work through these issues short-term.

In the next 10 years, Canada is working toward solutions of long-term stability and predictability by eliminating tariffs for our commodities and completing international agreements, granting access to populations exceeding 1.45 billion in total.

• CETA – Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement – Europe, 500 million people
• CPTPP – Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans Pacific Partnership – 11 countries including Japan, Vietnam and Australia, 500 million people
• USMCA – United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement, 450 million people

These agreements create $11 billion potential output opportunity by 2030. As a nation, we need to seize these opportunities and support the transformation that will occur short-and long-term.

Within agriculture, adoption of innovative technologies and leading skill sets of support is critical to meeting Canadian export growth demand. This is where Canadian agri-retailers come in, as they play a significant role in accelerating agriculture productivity and novelty.

As the only national organization representing Canadian agri-retailers, CAAR’s role is to identify the opportunities and issues associated with the ambitious long-term growth potential of agriculture production and provide the necessary resources and support to our membership.

Internal barriers to trade must be addressed proactively with seamless movement of agriculture inputs to farm gate. Leaving the farm, uninhibited movement of agriculture commodities to processors and international markets is required.

Retail Positions Opening on Board of Directors

CAAR cannot do this alone. We will continue developing partnerships with sister associations and service providers that further strengthen our voice. But most importantly, the association’s strength comes from our membership and active member participation.

Now is the time to get involved with CAAR. We are looking for retailer members to join the CAAR board, as some retail directors are stepping down effective this month. It is a priority of the board to ensure retailer members are the majority group represented, so I encourage you to get involved. This is your chance to lend your voice to CAAR and help guide the priorities of the association.

Please reach out to me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 204-989-9303 if you are interested in joining the board. New appointees will be voted on at the CAAR AGM at 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the CAAR Conference.

I thank you for being a member of CAAR. Your membership demonstrates your commitment to the agri-retail industry. Participation on CAAR committees, working groups, roundtables or training development defines the commitment.