Canada unveils first national food security strategy with more than $2 billion investment

Canada has introduced its first national Food Security Strategy, committing over USD 2 billion in the next decade to expand domestic food production, enhance food processing, improve distribution infrastructure, and boost competition in the grocery sector.

Announced on June 11, the strategy allocates over USD 700 million to expand food terminals and distribution hubs for independent grocers, USD 900 million to increase domestic food processing, and nearly USD 550 million to support year-round fruit and vegetable production through greenhouse and controlled-environment agriculture. The plan also aims to streamline agricultural regulations and reaffirms Canada’s supply management system for dairy, poultry, and eggs as a key element of national food security.

The federal government has set long-term targets, such as increasing the share of healthy food produced domestically from 75% to 85% by 2032, raising domestically processed food consumption from 70% to 80%, and doubling the value of greenhouse-grown fresh produce sold in Canada. The strategy also aims to reduce reliance on imported produce and expand export potential, especially for processed foods and greenhouse vegetables.

Separately, Canada’s Competition Bureau has begun a nationwide review of competition in the food supply chain, including production, processing, transportation, distribution, and retail pricing. The agency will accept public and industry submissions until July 31, 2026, and expects to release a final report and recommendations after stakeholder consultations conclude in spring 2027.