Agriculture ministers adopt Halifax Statement for next policy framework

Federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers have adopted the Halifax Statement, outlining the vision and priorities for Canada’s next agricultural policy framework covering 2028 to 2033.

The statement, approved at the ministers’ annual conference in Halifax, will guide negotiations over the coming year as governments work toward replacing the current five-year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which expires in 2028.

Ministers also reviewed business risk management programs and agreed in principle to pursue changes to AgriStability related to non-arm’s-length labour and contract work, with the goal of reaching a decision for the 2027 program year, subject to provincial and territorial approvals. They also agreed to return with their positions on a potential increase to the AgriStability payment cap for the next policy framework.

The ministers discussed trade diversification, reducing internal trade barriers, labour shortages and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, crop protection, pesticide regulation and implementation of the Grocery Code of Conduct.

“Together, we are working to ensure that Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector remains a cornerstone of our economy and food security by helping farmers, producers and processors succeed in the face of any and all challenges,” said Heath MacDonald, minister of agriculture and agri-food.

The next annual conference of federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers will be held in Calgary in September 2027.