Minority of Canadians think food system on right track
Only three in ten Canadians think the food system is on the right track according to new data from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity.
This is the lowest sentiment has fallen in the seven years the centre has kept track.
In 2024, Eighteen per cent of Canadians had a negative impression of the food system – an 11 per cent increase from the 2023 survey. Ashely Bruner, the centre’s research director, said the decline is likely linked to growing overall pessimism.
Public trust in the agriculture sector, federal and provincial institutions and media is also declining.
Bruner said farmers and other professional groups like scientists are losing their audience to flashier and more accessible social media influencers.
This raises serious concerns about farmers’ social license said former MP and broadcaster John Gormley.
Carney’s approach to environment likely to be shaped by corporate roots
Some experts say Prime Minister Mark Carney may take a more restrained, integrated approach to the environment then his predecessor, whose hands-on approach caused controversy among farmers.
Carney is informed by his experience in the corporate world, said University of Saskatchewan professor Tristan Skolrud.
He said he anticipates a more market-based approach that would look to improve farmers income through sequestering carbon and reducing emissions.
This could mean an integration between climate and trade. Skolrud pointed to Carney’s previous comments about trading with countries who recognize Canada’s emission reductions.
Tyler McCann, managing director of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, said he could envision an approach focused around an environmental, social and governance and corporate responsibility model.
With a focus on spending less on government operations, Carney’s government may also empower companies to do more.
Bison industry, Indigenous groups agree to work together
The Canadian Bison Association and National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) have formalized intentions to work together.
The groups signed a memorandum of understanding in April.
The bison holds tremendous cultural significance, particularly to plains First Nations.
Many Indigenous people and groups are interested in joining the bison sector, or already are part of the industry. However, barriers like lack of access to capital and lack of information can make it tough for them to get involved.
So far, the two groups are working together on policy advocacy and public awareness. The Bison Association said it was thinking about creating a rancher training program that would combine ranching and marketing skills with knowledge about Indigenous agriculture, food security, and culture.
The NCIAF said it was considering a bison harvest with association members to demonstrate how they honour the life of the buffalo and how the bison was historically processed.
