Ottawa (Rural Roots Canada) – Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald has launched consultations that will help shape the development of the Next Policy Framework (NPF).
MacDonald hosted an in-person roundtable in Ottawa last week with industry stakeholders to mark the start of discussions on what will become the NPF, which will guide agricultural programming and funding from 2028 to 2033.
The NPF will replace the 2023–2028 Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership as the main federal, provincial and territorial mechanism supporting the agriculture and agri-food sector.
“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is a cornerstone of our economy and our food security,” MacDonald said in a statement. “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.”
The minister said the government is 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.”
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During the Ottawa roundtable, participants discussed current and emerging challenges and opportunities across Canadian agriculture. MacDonald said he plans to hold additional consultations across the country to hear from regional associations, producers and processors.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will also host national online consultations through the NPF webpage, aimed at gathering feedback from Canadians and stakeholders on how to strengthen the competitiveness, resiliency and sustainability of the sector.
According to the department, the upcoming framework will guide joint investments between federal, provincial and territorial governments from 2028 to 2033. The consultations will include input from farmers, Indigenous communities, women, youth, processors and industry associations.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which currently funds programs to support innovation and resilience in the sector, is set to conclude on March 31, 2028.
