Ag Minister Launches National Consultations to Shape the Next Agricultural Policy Framework

Minister Heath MacDonald invites producers, processors, and stakeholders to help build the 2028–2033 Next Agriculture Policy Framework

As Canada begins charting its next decade of agricultural policy, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri Food, officially launched national consultations on the development of the Next Policy Framework (NPF)—the federal, provincial, and territorial agreement that will guide agricultural programs and investments from 2028 to 2033.

To mark the launch, Minister MacDonald hosted an in person roundtable with stakeholders representing a broad cross section of the agriculture and agri-food sector. The session focused on discussing both current and emerging challenges, as well as identifying new opportunities that can help drive competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability across Canadian agriculture. This consultation period will be open from January 2026 to December 2027.

“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is a cornerstone of our economy and our food security, Minister MacDonald said at the launch. “Meaningful engagement is essential in developing policy, and these consultations will help ensure the Next Policy Framework is grounded in the experiences and perspectives of those who know the sector best.”

“We are committed to working directly with farmers, producers, processors and partners to provide support that reflects their realities, tackles new issues, and guarantees the sector’s long-term success.”

The NPF will succeed the 2023–2028 Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), continuing what the media release calls a collaborative approach to agricultural policy shared among governments and industry.

Sustainable CAP currently provides a suite of programs aimed at innovation, risk management, market development, and environmental sustainability. The new framework will build on this foundation while responding to the rapidly changing realities facing producers and processors.

Minister MacDonald emphasized that the launch of consultations reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to co-designing policy with those directly involved in agriculture. By gathering input early and widely, the government aims to ensure that the next framework is aligned with sector needs and supports growth in an increasingly complex global environment.

Following this initial roundtable, the Minister will host additional sessions across the country to hear from regional associations, individual producers, processors, and other agricultural partners. These face to face discussions will be complemented by national online consultations conducted through Agriculture and Agri Food Canada’s NPF webpage (see below).

The consultation process is designed to bring forward diverse perspectives on issues such as labour shortages, climate resilience, innovation, value added processing, market access, and long-term sector sustainability. Stakeholders and Canadians more broadly will have multiple opportunities to share their insights and help shape the future direction of the sector.

As the agricultural landscape grows more complex—driven by economic pressures, global competition, technology transformation, and changing consumer expectations—the development of a forward looking policy framework will be essential. The NPF aims to ensure Canadian producers and agri-food businesses have the tools, resources, and programs they need to succeed in the years ahead.

Your input can be provided via the online consultation on the AAFC website at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 2026 Next Policy Framework Consultation.