Phase 1 Engagement

At their meeting on February 5, 2010, federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) Ministers asked officials to begin a dialogue with the sector to discuss its objectives, the challenges and opportunities it faces, and how governments and industry can work together for the long-term success of the sector. By working together, farmers, industry and governments can identify the strategies and solutions needed to position the sector to prosper over the coming decade.

Phase 1 of engagement was held in May and June 2010 with a series of national and regional workshops. Over 400 farm leaders and other key value chain stakeholders discussed the current state of the sector, the key drivers shaping its future and the challenges and opportunities it may face over the next decade. Discussions also focused on the strategic review of Business Risk Management programming.

FPT governments undertook a dialogue with representatives of the Canadian agriculture, agri-food and agri-based processing sector (the sector) to:

• Develop a common understanding of the current state of the sector and key drivers shaping its future;
• Identify the sector's long-term objectives; and
• Discuss how the sector and governments can work together to meet future challenges and take advantage of the opportunities which will present themselves.

Engagement workshops were held across the country with stakeholder leaders representing farmers and the agri-food and agri-based processing industry [list of dates and locations of sessions]. Officials also met with the value chain roundtables, which bring together leaders from all points along a sub-sector specific value chain - retailers, farmers, processors, exporters and others - to discuss what they can do together to achieve long-term global success for all players. Participants engaged in frank and open discussions about the future of agricultural industry in Canada, and began the journey of building consensus on key issues and policy directions.

The summary of the Phase 1 Engagement Discussion Document outlines key issues to stimulate a discussion on how governments and stakeholders can work together to ensure the Canadian agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector remains competitive and profitable.

The As It Was Heard Report summarizes what was heard at the in-person sessions.

For more information on Growing Forward 2, please contact GrowingForward2@agr.gc.ca or call 1-855-773-0241.