Wanted: A long-term vision for the future of Canadian agriculture

Oct 26, 2023

Glacier FarmMedia – What does Canada’s agriculture and food sector need to do to insulate itself from major disruptions?

According to the latest Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) report “A Toolbox for Managing Crises,” everyone linked to ag needs to stop working alone to extinguish fires and instead adopt a more dynamic approach to problem solving.

In practice, the report’s authors say, that means developing a much wider understanding of the issues facing each sector and how they intersect and then implementing long-term strategies to account for risks.

This approach is lacking. The authors argue that, by focusing on a single business or sector at a time, Canada’s agriculture and food system remains more vulnerable to disruption.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.