Charting the Way Forward to 2020 (1 of 9)

Preface

Canada's agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector is a modern, vibrant industry that reflects both Canada's national achievements and the local character of the provinces and territories. It has been adapting to a fast evolving environment through the use of innovative practices and business models, and the adoption of innovative technologies that enable the sector to create new products, lower production costs, and reduce its environmental footprint.

The global environment within which Canada's agricultural sector operates is changing. Demand is rising in response to ever-growing world population, rising incomes, and increased non-food uses of agricultural products. Demand is also shifting. Markets in emerging economies are growing rapidly, while the developed markets Canada has traditionally exported to are growing slowly. In addition, consumers are seeking a broader range of attributes, and climate and resource constraints are affecting production possibilities. By 2020, the world of agriculture, while full of potential, will be different.

Canada has abundant natural resources and know-how to benefit from the opportunities to come. Nonetheless, to safeguard the sector's competitiveness and sustainability, there is a continuing need to adapt policies and practices.

Canada's current agricultural policy framework, Growing Forward, is due for renewal in 2013. Federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) governments are already engaged with stakeholders in discussions on the next policy framework, Growing Forward 2 (GF2). The first phase of engagement was held in spring 2010 and the next phase begins now, both in live events and on the web.

This document, which is intended to provide the basis for a web-based discussion, reflects the outcomes of the initial spring 2010 engagement meetings and subsequent analysis.