The National Food Strategy (NFS) is a long-term vision for food and agriculture in Canada, recognizing that short-term, 'band-aid' solutions are not enough for today's lasting and evolving challenges. The NFS was developed by the agriculture and agri-food industry to ensure a more holistic and strategic approach to food and agriculture - making meeting the needs of the food system, future generations and the global community more achievable.

 

"It's time to view the agricultural and food sector as one of the most influential industries our country has to strengthen the health of our environment, population and economy and to help those in need around the world. The political profile of food and farm and the level of investment in agriculture should reflect this important role," said Ron Bonnett, CFA President. 

 

"In Canada, we can do our part by ensuring our policies and budgets are in line with a long-term, national action plan - a National Food Strategy - that will help increase agricultural output in a sustainable and responsible manner. We can also ensure our farmers have appropriate livelihoods to continue producing safe, high-quality food," added Bonnett. 

 

At the international level, the CFA is advocating for investment in agriculture worldwide through the World Farmers' Organisation (WFO). The WFO brings together national producer organizations and cooperatives around the world to create policies and advocate on the world farmers' behalf.

 

October 16 is designated World Food Day by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to draw attention to the plight of 1 billion living in hunger worldwide. The CFA encourages all to do what they can in their communities to relieve hunger and to advocate for the farmer with elected officials. 

 

The role of farmers as solution providers to ending hunger has never been more critical. The CFA believes farmers the world over are capable of meeting the global food needs, but the political will and coordination to properly equip their efforts requires drastic improvement. 

 

The CFA looks forward to continuing work with stakeholders and government to further develop the National Food Strategy, putting Canada and our food system on track towards a sustainable future. 

 

Suggested links:

www.cfa-fca.ca 

 www.nationalfoodstrategy.ca 

www.worldfarmersorganisation.com 

www.foodbankscanada.ca  
www.fao.org/getinvolved/worldfoodday/en/

 

Donate: Text HUNGER to 30333 to make a $5 donation to Food Banks Canada via your mobile device.

 

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is the country's largest farmers' organization. Its members include provincial general farm organizations as well as national and inter-provincial commodity organizations from every province. Through its members, CFA represents over 200,000 Canadian farmers.