Prime Minister Carney launches National Food Security Strategy to build a more affordable and resilient food system in Canada

The world is changing rapidly. Trade shifts, global conflicts, and climate change are all putting growing pressure on our food and energy systems, driving up prices at home and abroad. In response, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: building a stronger, more independent, more resilient Canadian economy. Central to this mission is a stronger, more affordable food system.

While Canada is one of the largest exporters of agri-food products in the world, Canadians continue to face some of the highest grocery costs in the G7. There is not enough competition between grocery retailers, we are not harnessing enough technology in our agri-food sectors, and our food chains rely too heavily on foreign suppliers. We need a new strategy – for more choice, more control, and more Canada.

That’s why, today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, launched Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy. Backed by more than $3 billion in investments over ten years, this strategy will break open the market for independent retailers, boost domestic food production, and build a stronger, more independent, and more affordable food system for all Canadians.

The strategy has four objectives:

Spur grocery store competition and create more choice for Canadians

Boost domestic food production across Canada

Grow fruits and vegetables year-round

Cut red tape across the agricultural supply chain

A country’s sovereignty depends on its ability to feed itself, fuel itself, and defend itself. Canada’s new National Food Security Strategy puts Canadians back in control of what we grow, of what we buy, and of what we put on our tables. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient, and more affordable food system for all Canadians.

“Canada is one of the world’s great food producers. But too much of what we grow is processed elsewhere, and too many Canadians still rely on imported food at higher prices. Canadian farmers deserve more options to sell their produce, and Canadians deserve more options for where to buy their food. Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy will help grow and process more food here and put more Canada on Canadian plates – lowering costs, creating jobs, and building a food system that is more resilient, more competitive, and more our own.”

The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

“The National Food Security Strategy is about giving Canadians greater choice, control, and access to affordable, locally produced food. Through this made-in-Canada approach, we will process more of what our farmers grow here at home, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and strengthening Canada's food self-sufficiency. By reducing red tape and helping innovative businesses get projects off the ground faster, we will unlock new opportunities for farmers, food processors, and entrepreneurs across the agri-food sector.”

The Hon. Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food