Ottawa-The federal and provincial governments must financially support Canadian agriculture at a rate far exceeding what they currently do considering the sector’s contributions to the national economy and global food security, says the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA).

To remain competitive as well as achieve its potential as an environmental solutions provider, agriculture needs support to drive continued innovation and attract investment, CFA said in a statement at the conclusion of its Summer Board Meeting held in Whitehorse just before the annual summer meeting of the federal and provincial agriculture ministers.

During the meeting, farm leaders from across Canada discussed a range of critical policy issues including mental health and national farmer wellness, challenges and opportunities in growing agriculture in the Yukon and the evolving role of the Senate and its role in addressing agricultural issues and Canada’s agri-food innovation ecosystem.

The board also discussed CFA’s role on the international stage through leadership at the World Farmers’ Organization (WFO), ongoing engagement with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and a strong presence at U.N. climate negotiations. The need for continued focus on maintaining both a resilient domestic agricultural sector and a dynamic export-focused sector was another key topic. Board members agreed on the importance of collaboration and maintaining a united front on key trade-related issues facing the Canadian agriculture sector, such as the upcoming CUSMA review.

The Board also held a roundtable meeting with the federal and provincial agriculture ministers to discuss the pressing challenges confronting Canadian agriculture. CFA highlighted how data and innovation are the key to unlocking further productivity in Canadian agriculture, through better economic outcomes, more responsive risk management, improved sustainability benchmarking and reporting as well as greater protection of animals and crops from diseases.

To reinforce CFA’s commitment to data transparency, ownership and trust, CFA has agreed to formally join Ag Data Transparent (ADT), which has played a lead role in getting some of the biggest players in the U.S. and Canadian farming around the table and committed to data transparency including John Deere, Solio and FCC.

“While it is a voluntary initiative, it does send a strong signal to producers across Canada and reinforces our commitment to these issues,” CFA said. “While we fully acknowledge it isn't the only solution to address ag data transparency challenges, it is a step in the right direction.”

To unlock the potential of data in agriculture, CFA urged the ministers to develop a Pan-Canadian Data Strategy that supports public and private investment in research, programming, digital skills and outcome-based measurement and reporting.

Governments need to expand investment in rural connectivity to ensure sufficient in-field network access to support the range of agtech opportunities emerging for farmers. They should also establish programming to support the adoption of connectivity solutions and make a legislative commitment to support farm equipment interoperability.

Also, there should be support for capacity building by farm groups that are best positioned to protect farmers’ data, as well as investments in standards and new agricultural extension services to support ag tech adoption.

CFA President Keith Currie said the meeting with the ministers is a unique opportunity for the agriculture sector and the ministers “to come together to iron out our collective vision for the sector.

“Data is critical as farmers continue to explore opportunities to increase efficiencies and measure their sustainability. Creating the conditions to optimize access to and use of on-farm data is needed to harness the sector’s astounding potential as a driver of environmental solutions, economic development opportunities, and a significant contributor to food security in Canada and abroad. At CFA we truly believe that Canadian agriculture is uniquely positioned to feed Canadians and the world while delivering climate solutions. Investing in data and data-driven solutions is the critical lynchpin to achieving that goal.”

This news item prepared for National Newswatch