FPT Ministers of Agriculture Emphasize Importance of Ongoing Engagement with Key Trading Partners

At the annual conference of federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from September 7 to 9, 2025, the ministers recognized the significant uncertainty caused by tariffs and highlighted the ongoing engagement activities across governments, industry, and with key sector partners. The conference aimed to advance collaborative efforts in support of a resilient, sustainable, and competitive agriculture sector. Ministers emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement with key trading partners, including the United States and China, to support the sector's ability to navigate evolving trade dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• Ministers emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement with key trading partners, including the United States and China, to support the sector's ability to navigate evolving trade dynamics.
• Trade action on Canadian canola, peas, pork, and seafood and other commodities has significant financial and economic implications for the agriculture and agri-food industry.
• Ministers discussed the conditions of competition between domestic and imported agriculture and agri-food products and agreed to examine the issue in further detail.
• Ministers reviewed recent adjustments to the AgriStability program for the 2025 program year, including increases to both the compensation rate and the maximum payment limit.
• Ministers confirmed their intention to implement the necessary adjustments to include feed costs associated with rented pasture as an allowable expense starting in the 2026 program year.
• FPT Ministers discussed their commitment to preserving the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations as the basis for interprovincial and territorial trade of food in Canada.
• Ministers reaffirmed commitments to take collaborative action on key initiatives related to animal disease preparedness, prevention, and response activities, including efforts to reduce the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
• Ministers discussed the importance of biosecurity to safeguard animal health and the sector's resilience.
• Initiatives to reduce red tape, promote regulatory modernization, and improve service delivery for regulated parties were welcomed and supported.

Statistics:

• In 2024, Canada's agriculture and agri-food system generated $149.2 billion, representing about 7% of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP), and provided 1 in 9 jobs in Canada.
• Canada's global exports of agriculture and agri-food in 2024 overall were $92.2 billion in 2024, compared to $91.6 billion in 2023.
• In 2024, Canada exported nearly $100.3 billion globally in agri-food, fish, and seafood products combined, compared to $99.2 billion in 2023.
• The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment between federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

Sources:

• Government of Canada, Press Release, September 9, 2025.
• Backgrounder: Summary of items from the 2025 Annual Meeting of Federal Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture.