Backed by more than C$3 billion in investments over the next decade, the strategy aims to strengthen local food production, improve affordability, and build a more resilient national food system.
The Canadian government has launched its first-ever National Food Security Strategy, a comprehensive initiative designed to strengthen domestic food production, enhance supply chain resilience, and improve food affordability for consumers across the country. Supported by more than C$3 billion in investments over ten years, the strategy seeks to reduce reliance on imported food while fostering a more self-sufficient and competitive agri-food sector.
Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, the programme focuses on increasing food security through targeted investments in food processing, distribution infrastructure, agricultural innovation, and year-round food production. The government aims to create a stronger connection between Canadian producers, processors, retailers, and consumers while improving access to locally produced food.
A key component of the strategy is a C$1 billion investment in food terminals and food hubs that will help independent grocers source products directly from farmers and processors. The initiative is expected to increase competition within the grocery sector and provide consumers with more choices at competitive prices.
To support domestic manufacturing and processing capacity, the government is also introducing a C$1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, alongside additional funding programmes aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses expand food production and processing operations. These measures are intended to encourage investment, create jobs, and strengthen Canada’s ability to process more of its agricultural output domestically.
The strategy further includes a C$750 million commitment to expand year-round fruit and vegetable production through greenhouses, vertical farming facilities, and other controlled-environment agriculture systems. By increasing local production capacity, Canada aims to reduce dependence on imported produce and improve food availability throughout the year.
In addition, the government plans to streamline regulations across the agricultural supply chain, accelerate approvals for key agricultural inputs, and reduce administrative barriers that can hinder innovation and investment. Officials believe these reforms will help improve productivity while strengthening the overall competitiveness of the Canadian food sector.
The National Food Security Strategy comes amid rising concerns about food inflation, supply chain disruptions, and global uncertainties affecting food availability. Through increased investment in domestic production, processing, and distribution, Canada aims to create a more affordable, resilient, and sustainable food system capable of meeting future demand.