Agrifood groups have a long list of action items for Marie-Claude Bibeau.Ottawa—In recent months, national agrifood organizations began taking a two pronged approach to advancing their interests with the federal government adopting a short term plan leading up to the October election and a long term one for after the vote.The surprise shuffle of Lawrence MacAulay to Veterans Affairs and the appointment of Marie-Claude Bibeau to the Agriculture portfolio will force a rethink of the short term plan as the groups will have to wait for the new minister to get up to speed on the agrifood files. And consider the likelihood that regardless of which party wins the election, a new minister will likely be appointed.Bibeau was elected in the Quebec riding of Compton–Stanstead in 2015 and appointed Minister of International Development a few weeks later.Other than coming from a Quebec riding that has some dairy farmers, she has no known experience with farming or food processing. Even the announcement of her appointment from the Prime Minister's Office talked only of Bibeau's accomplishments on international women's issues and made no mention of agrifood matters. At her swearing in, she told reporters she came from a dairy riding “so I'm very close to the producers in Quebec.”Bibeau would do well to review MacAulay's address to the annual general meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture less than 48 hours before the shuffle in which he outlined some of the most vexing issues facing agrifood.New CFA President Mary Robinson said CFA was sad at the departure of MacAulay who “has been a strong ally to Canadian agriculture and our organization since his appointment in 2015, and we wish him the best in his new position as Minister of Veteran Affairs.” CFA will work with Bibeau “to ensure that federal government policies are aligned with farmer priorities. Together we can work together to unlock the potential of Canadian agriculture, which has been identified as one of the key sectors for economic growth by the Barton report.”The Canadian Pork Council thanked MacAulay for his work to prevent the spread of African swine fever and said it would renew its efforts with Bibeau to win approval for the establishment of the Pork Promotion and Research Agency.The Canadian Produce Marketing Association said it would work with Bibeau on important files impacting the fresh produce industry, including tax reform, a Food Policy for Canada, food safety, payment protection for produce sellers, and labour. “The fresh produce supply chain is an important economic driver in Canada.”The Western Canadian Wheat Growers said it wanted to continue its strong relationship with the agriculture minister and department. “We see continued growth through global trade opportunities," said Levi Wood, President.The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions said MacAulay played a key role in securing several political wins for farmers including the passage of the Transportation Modernization Act and retaining the cash ticket deferral mechanism, following threats of its elimination in the March 2017 federal budget. Chairman Gary Stanford said AWC looks forward to working with Bibeau “to continue building competitiveness and success for farmers.”He and Alberta Barley Chair Dave Bishop said MacAulay played a role in securing the new NAFTA and the Pacific trade deal and opening the Chinese market were important for the agrifood sector.Prior to entering politics, Bibeau worked for the former Canadian International Development Agency before setting up a business in Quebec's Eastern Townships, she became a successful businesswoman and was actively involved in her community.Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.