Canadian agri‑food leaders urge food security as national security priority

This week, the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) hosted a two‑day workshop on its campus to examine the evolving challenges facing Canada’s food system. The event was co‑organized by the Simpson Center for Food & Agricultural Policy, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Pork Council. It brought together a broad cross‑section of stakeholders, including representatives from the Canadian Cattle Association, Dairy Farmers of Canada, Farm Credit Canada, TELUS Agriculture, the Royal Military College of Canada, and the University of Guelph.

Participants discussed how geopolitical tensions, biological threats, trade disruptions and supply‑chain vulnerabilities are reshaping the industry. The forum provided a platform for sharing data, best practices and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing resilience across the agricultural sector. Key themes included risk assessment, adaptive supply‑chain strategies, and the role of technology in monitoring and responding to emerging threats.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and the development of a joint report outlining actionable steps for policymakers and industry leaders. The participants agreed to maintain regular communication to monitor developments and to refine strategies that support a robust and secure Canadian food system.