To remain a global leader in food production, Canada must prioritize innovation, productivity, competitiveness, and regulatory efficiency.
When it comes to innovation, Canadian agriculture has a perception problem. Nostalgic views of farming often don’t align with the reality of an industry that’s now among the most innovative in the world.
For most Canadians, stepping onto a modern Canadian family farm would quickly shatter outdated stereotypes of the industry. Today, agriculture is an industry driven by data, science, and precision — and one that stands to benefit hugely from advancements in artificial intelligence. Seeds are planted precisely where they should be, and inputs are applied exactly where they’re needed. Everything is optimized for success, right down to the square foot of land.
Canadian agriculture is a big piece of the pie when it comes to Canada’s economy, too. The sector is responsible for about seven percent of the GDP. There’s a lot of talk about Canada’s potential to be an energy superpower and we must not lose sight of the fact that agriculture is an important piece of that. It’s the engine that feeds and fuels Canadians and the world.
A sustainability success story
Canada has a small population relative to its huge land base. This puts Canada in an enviable position, as one of only a handful of countries in the world that produces significant quantities of food for markets around the world. The world needs what Canada grows, and this makes agriculture a key strategic advantage for the country. Our ability to support both domestic and global food security ultimately contributes to our own economic and national security.
The world needs what Canada grows, and this makes agriculture a key strategic advantage for the country.
Not only does Canada grow an abundant amount of food, we also produce some of the most sustainably grown food in the world. Recent research from the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) showcases just how sustainable Canadian-grown crops are compared to our global competitors. The results demonstrate that Canadian growers are producing some of the least carbon-intensive crops in the world. What’s the recipe for this sustainability success? According to GIFS, it’s driven by the widespread adoption of various innovations and farming practices.
A challenging environment
While this is an impressive story and one Canadians should be proud of, in many ways it’s a story of success against the odds. Farmers rely on access to the latest innovations in seed technology and crop protection to grow the best crops they can in the face of constantly changing climate conditions and new pest pressures.
But new innovations have been slow to make it into the hands of Canadian farmers, as they’re often caught up in regulatory red tape or, worse yet, they never come to Canada at all. Canada as a whole has not made smart regulation a priority, which is highlighted in its dismal ranking of 32 out of 38 member countries for administrative and regulatory burden, as tracked by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Fostering innovation
A recent report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) shows that crop productivity growth in Canada peaked in the 2000s at an annual average rate of 2.9 per cent. Since then, Canadian crop productivity growth has been on the decline. FCC suggests that to reverse this decline, Canada needs to focus on three things:
- Fostering an inviting business environment for innovation;
- Integrating regulatory efficiency into economic growth objectives; and
- Making innovation, productivity, and competitiveness top priorities.
As Canada enters into a new era focused on driving economic growth and competitiveness, there’s a real opportunity to lean into agriculture. The industry has a long history of being innovative and driving results for Canada, both in terms of economic contributions and sustainability outcomes.
But we need a regulatory environment that enables innovation rather than discourages it. We need a regulatory system that protects human and environmental health while also acting as a catalyst for innovation and growth. Innovation is happening and farmers are ready to adopt it, but the bridge that connects the two is the regulatory system.
Moving forward with a bold vision
Think about the opportunity lost if it takes 10 or 15 years for a farmer to get a new seed variety that can better withstand drought or a new crop protection product that can save a crop from devastation from a new insect pest. That’s countless fields full of potential needlessly lost. It’s lost income for farmers, it’s lost income for the Canadian economy, it’s lost food and feed needed to support food security, and, ultimately, it’s more expensive food for consumers.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a bold vision and a commitment to action, the Canadian government can create a regulatory environment that enables innovation, spurs economic growth, and positions Canadian agriculture as a true strategic advantage.
To learn more, visit croplife.ca.
