Canada announces its first-ever Food Policy
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s minister of agriculture and agri-food, along with Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, joined stakeholders from across the food system on June 17 to launch Canada’s first-ever federal Food Policy.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada’s minister of agriculture and agri-food, along with Parliamentary Secretary Jean-Claude Poissant, joined stakeholders from across the food system on June 17 to launch Canada’s first-ever federal Food Policy.
Developed through consultations with more than 45,000 Canadians, the vision for the Food Policy for Canada is: “All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.”
To realize this vision, the Canadian government is investing $134 million through its 2019 budget, which includes new initiatives to help achieve key objectives.
A central piece of the Food Policy for Canada announced is the creation of a Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council. The Council will bring together the expertise and diversity needed beyond government to address today’s challenges, as well as the future of Canada’s food system. An open and transparent process, that includes letters of nomination, will begin over the summer.
Also announced is the launch of a five-year, $50 million Local Food Infrastructure Fund, designed to support community-led projects that improve access to safe, healthy, and culturally diverse food. Starting Aug. 15, 2019, eligible organizations will be invited to apply through the first intake period for nonrepayable funding of up to $25,000.
Some of the other Food Policy of Canada initiatives include:
- Support for community-led projects like greenhouses, community freezers, and skills training that address food challenges and food insecurity in Northern and isolated communities.
- A challenge fund to support the most innovative food waste reduction ideas in food processing, grocery retail, and foodservice.
- New funds to help the Canadian Food Inspection Agency crack down on food fraud.
- Taking the first steps to work alongside provinces and not-for-profit organizations toward the creation of a National School Food Program.
“The Food Policy for Canada is our roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system for our country. The investments and initiatives in the food policy will contribute to economic growth, better nutrition, and food security for all Canadians,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, minister of agriculture and agri-food.