Canadian Federation of Agriculture Welcomes Halifax Statement Priorities, Calls for Strong Focus on Delivery and Results
Ottawa, ON – July 20, 2026 –
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) welcomes the release of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers’ Halifax Statement and is encouraged to see the statement focus on a number of the core priorities identified by producers reflected in the vision and focus areas proposed for the Next Policy Framework. The statement highlights a shared commitment to strengthening competitiveness, expanding market opportunities, advancing innovation and research, and building resilience across Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
The priorities outlined by ministers closely align with the issues raised by producers during consultations and represent an important signal of continued collaboration between governments and industry.
“It’s very encouraging to see the priorities of producers reflected in this vision for the future of agriculture,” said Keith Currie, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. “The Halifax Statement draws renewed focus on the challenges and opportunities facing our sector and establishes a strong foundation for advancing Canadian agriculture’s growth, competitiveness and resilience.”
The CFA also welcomed the statement’s emphasis on flexibility, collaboration, accountability and measurable results as guiding principles for the Next Policy Framework.
“Setting the right priorities is important, but success will ultimately be measured by how effectively those priorities are translated into action,” added Currie. “As discussions move forward, farmers will be looking for clear objectives, measurable outcomes and accountability mechanisms that demonstrate progress and ensure investments are delivering meaningful results.”
While the overall direction is positive, CFA stressed that the framework can only truly realize this renewed focus through substantive program reforms, across strategic initiatives and in Business Risk Management programming, that reflect and align with the frameworks priorities. Critically, the framework’s capacity to support the sector is incumbent on broader policy conditions that enable producers and agri-food businesses to achieve the outcomes governments are seeking.
CFA also welcomed ministers’ commitment to continuing improvements to Business Risk Management programs but noted that producers are seeking greater urgency in advancing meaningful reforms to progress key improvements and address gaps in coverage before the implementation of the Next Policy Framework rather than delaying action until the new framework, or even the following framework is in place.
“Farmers are facing significant pressures today, and where opportunities exist to improve existing programs and complement them with additional policy tools, those conversations should continue with renewed focus and urgency,” said Currie. “The direction identified by ministers is encouraging. Now the challenge is ensuring that momentum translates into substantive changes that strengthen the sector.”
CFA looks forward to continuing to work with federal, provincial and territorial governments throughout the development of the Next Policy Framework to ensure it delivers practical outcomes for farmers, farm families and the broader agri-food sector.