With the slogan, "More Choice. More Control. More Canada," the government of Canada has released a new strategy designed to address food security across Canada. The goals contained in the strategy include building a system where food is more affordable, where Canadian dependance on other countries is reduced, and where Canada's susceptibility to external circumstance is reduced. This plan is built around three things:
- More Choice gives farmers more places to sell good, small grocers more sources for purchasing stock, and rural communities more access to fresh produce at reasonable prices.
- More Control means Canada processes more of our own food, thereby reducing dependance on other countries. This also means increased technologies allowing Canada to grow produce year round.
- More Canada comes from greater control and choice: More food grown and processed here, more food sold here, and more workers in the Canadian agri-food sector.
This system benefits Canadians across the food system. Families get to see lower prices at the store and more choice about where to shop. Farmers have increased opportunities to sell food closer to where it is grown for better prices and with technologies that will make them more competitive with other countries. Independent grocery stores and vendors can work together for cost sharing while food and beverage manufacturers have better access to programs and financial support. Overall, the controlled environment agricultural sector will be able to grow produce in more ways and make Canada less dependent on imports.
To read the full, comprehensive national food strategy plan, click this link.