QUESTION PERIOD — Agriculture and Agri-Food
Support for Farmers and Producers
March 26, 2026
Senator Moreau, the Government of Canada recently announced plans for a national food security strategy. I’ve heard concerns from farmers that measures to artificially constrain food prices, such as price fixing or mandated price caps, end up passing costs down to farmers, who are already struggling to maintain profitability during these turbulent times.
How will the government ensure that this strategy supports Canadian farmers by enhancing resilience in Canadian agri-food supply chains and, by extension, enhancing Canada’s food security?
That is a very important question. Food security and affordability are a real concern, and the government recognizes that blunt measures like artificial price controls can risk shifting pressure onto farmers and producers, who are already facing significant challenges. That is why it is not the way the government wants to operate.
The government’s approach is targeted. The government is strengthening competition in the grocery sector, supporting Canadian farmers and investing in the resilient food supply. At the same time, the government is providing direct affordability supports to Canadians, including the increase in the GST tax credit — Bill C-4 — rather than distorting the market in ways that could harm farmers. The government is very aware of the pressure on farmers and wants to ensure that the programs it provides will not harm them even more.
Thank you. Producers are pleased that there is recognition of the important role that food security plays for all Canadians. Canada is blessed with abundant resources in our agri-food industry. The entire value chain will continue to provide a safe, reliable and affordable food supply for not only Canadians but our international customers as well.
Please ensure that the strategy goes forward, and we look forward to participating in it.
I certainly will, Senator Lewis. It’s important. I can tell you that, to lower the cost of food production, the government is introducing immediate expensing for building greenhouses. I know for farmers that is very important. This allows producers to fully write off greenhouses acquired on or after November 4, 2025, and that becomes available for use before 2030.
