Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is entering a pivotal moment as the federal government begins shaping the policy architecture that will guide the industry into the next decade. On January 20, 2026, Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, convened an in-person roundtable in Ottawa to formally launch consultations for the Next Policy Framework (NPF)—the successor to the current 2023–2028 Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The roundtable brought together representatives from across Canada’s agriculture and agri-food ecosystem, reflecting the diversity and complexity of a sector that underpins both the national economy and the country’s food security. Discussions focused on the realities facing producers, processors, and associations today, as well as the emerging pressures and opportunities that will shape the sector in the years ahead.
Set to guide federal, provincial, and territorial support for agriculture and agri-food from 2028 to 2033, the Next Policy Framework is being designed as the primary mechanism for collaboration across jurisdictions. Its development comes at a time when Canadian agriculture is navigating a rapidly evolving landscape—one defined by global market shifts, climate considerations, technological change, and the need for long-term resilience and competitiveness.
Launching the consultation process early signals the government’s intent to ground the new framework in practical, on-the-ground experience. Minister MacDonald emphasized that meaningful engagement with those directly involved in the sector is central to building an effective and future-ready policy approach:
“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is a cornerstone of our economy and our food security. Meaningful engagement is essential in developing policy, and these consultations will help ensure the Next Policy Framework is grounded in the experiences and perspectives of those who know the sector best. We are committed to working directly with farmers, producers, processors and partners to provide support that reflects their realities, tackles new issues, and guarantees the sector’s long-term success,” stated the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
The Ottawa roundtable marks only the beginning of a broader national conversation. In the months ahead, Minister MacDonald will host additional in-person roundtables across the country, engaging directly with regional associations, producers, and processors. These discussions will be complemented by national online consultations organized by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the NPF webpage, expanding opportunities for Canadians and stakeholders to contribute their perspectives.
Together, these engagement efforts are intended to ensure the Next Policy Framework reflects both regional diversity and national priorities. By drawing on a wide range of voices, the government aims to craft a policy framework that not only responds to current challenges, but also positions Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector for sustained success through the next decade.
