Introduction
Page 3 of 9
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) provides information, research and technology, as well as policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation to foster growth. In Canada, agriculture is a jurisdiction shared by the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Canada’s agriculture ministers meet a few times a year to discuss and make decisions on agriculture and agri-food issues.
In June 2001, the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers developed the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), a strategy to help the agriculture and agri-food sector chart a course toward long-term prosperity and increased profitability.
The APF is the result of consultation between governments and a wide range of groups and individuals. It is comprised of the following five integrated pillars:
- Business Risk Management to help farmers better manage the risks that come with the business of farming;
- Food Safety and Quality to increase consumers’ confidence in the safety and quality of Canadian agri-food products;
- Science and Innovation to create new food and non-food opportunities for the sector and for Canada;
- Environment to enhance soil, water, air and biodiversity;
- Renewal to ensure producers have the skills they need to capitalize on new opportunities. The APF also supports action in the international arena to help the sector capitalize on domestic strengths and success.
The APF is a five-year plan (2008–2012) under which the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers have pledged to work together. Their goal is to ensure the new agriculture and agri-food policy, which was adopted in July 2008, paves the way for a more stable, predictable and profitable sector.
AAFC recognized that, to continue serving Canadians effectively, it had to change its approach by focusing more on results. Using the APF, the Department set its sights on the following program activities: business risk management, food safety and quality, international issues, the environment, innovation and renewal.
The agriculture and agri-food sector plays a key role in Canada. Through farming families all across the country and through researchers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and other stakeholders, Canada’s economic and social prosperity is directly linked to the success of the agriculture and agri-food sector. The industry contributes to a healthy economy: it accounts for 8% of the annual gross domestic product. Moreover, it creates one in eight jobs in Canada and brings in approximately $151 billion in annual revenue in the retail and restaurant sectors, including more than $26 billion in exports. It plays an equally important role in Canada’s social fabric by ensuring the welfare and vitality of rural and remote communities in all parts of the country. In 2006–2007, AAFC had 6,257 employees and a budget of $3,853 million.
