CropLife Calls for Policy, Regulatory Reform to Unlock Ag Growth Potential

CropLife Canada is urging the federal government to make agriculture a top economic priority, arguing that bold regulatory and policy changes could unlock more than $100 billion in GDP growth over the next decade. 

In a statement Thursday, Pierre Petelle, president and CEO of CropLife Canada, said the country needs a “growth mindset” that recognizes agriculture as an economic powerhouse.  

“There has been considerable talk about unleashing Canada’s economy and agriculture cannot be overlooked as a national priority,” he said. 

Petelle pointed to regulatory delays as a major obstacle. Canadian farmers, once among the first to access new seed and crop protection technologies, are now waiting years longer than competitors in other countries.  

“There are currently half as many pesticide submissions in Canada as a decade ago, and yet approval timelines have nearly doubled,” he said.  

Productivity growth in Canadian agriculture has slowed to less than 1% — half the rate of 20 years ago. To reverse that trend, CropLife is urging the government to modernize the regulatory system and attract investment in agricultural R&D.  

The organization’s recommendations include updating mandates for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Pest Management Regulatory Agency to consider economic impacts alongside health and safety, adopting best practices from trusted international regulators, and setting firm approval timelines. CropLife also calls for eliminating unnecessary red tape to speed up access to new tools. 

It is critical that farmers have timely access to new seed and crop protection tools to remain resilient in the face of climate change challenges and to compete in the global market, the statement said. 

CropLife Canada joined other national agricultural organizations in a joint letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, urging the government to act now.