Ottawa-The agriculture ministers of the G7 countries want to protect their farmers in uncertain times as well as the world’s most vulnerable agri-food sectors and countries.

The ministers, who met virtually for their annual meeting, agreed to keep talking at the officials’ level to support their own countries’ producers.

Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said the meeting was also an opportunity for valuable dialogue between ministers.

He said he promoted Canada, its agriculture and agri-food sector, the efficient use of fertilizer, open agri-food trade and Canada’s interests abroad while underscoring ongoing efforts to actively monitor emerging risks.

The meeting, chaired by French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, also discussed global fertilizer supplies and steps to help farmers. With global food security under increased strain and with Canadian producers facing rising input costs, it was an opportunity to discuss agricultural supply chain issues related to geopolitical turmoil.

After the meeting, the ministers said in a joint news release that data and information from international organizations – such as the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) – were valuable in assessing markets and key to finding solutions.

Canada was a founding member of the AMIS in 2011 and is currently concluding a two-year term as its chair, MacDonald said.

“With rising fertilizer and fuel prices causing major uncertainty for farmers around the world, the G7 agriculture ministers came together to talk about how we can help them face this challenge head-on.

“Canada’s approach is clear – we’re focused on helping farmers with cash flow, providing tools to manage income risks, and advocating for open, transparent, and predictable markets given these extraordinary circumstances.”

The session was MacDonald’s first meeting with G7 ministers of agriculture. It was “an excellent opportunity to promote Canada as a reliable, high-quality and sustainable source of agri-food products to these vital markets.”

The Presidency rotates annually between the G7 member nations.

Canada held the 2025 G7 Presidency and hosted the Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

In 2025, Canada’s agriculture and food exports hit a new record of more than $101 billion - $26 billion ahead of the target set for 2025.

The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) provides trusted, high-quality data to countries around the world on commodities and fertilizers to help reduce price volatility, fight global hunger and keep markets transparent and running smoothly. 

Canada is a leader within AMIS, having chaired the organization twice: first in 2018–19 (a one-year term) and is currently concluding a two-year term (2024-2026).

Producers in Canada can make use of Agriculture Canada programs to address higher costs of inputs, including nitrogen fertilizers. To support producer cash flow, the government set the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program (APP) at $250,000 for the 2026 program year, for all non-canola advances. Participating non-canola producers can now save, on average, $4,340 in interest costs on their 2026 advances.

This news report prepared for National Newswatch