Consultations begin on next ag policy framework

Consultations are now underway on the next five-year agricultural policy framework, targeted for implementation in 2028.

Formally named the Next Policy Framework (NPF) by the Government of Canada, the NPF is a federal-provincial-territorial agreement that will shape programs and supports for Canada’s agriculture sector starting in 2028. 

It will take over from the 2023-2028 Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) as the main framework for government support of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. 

Canada’s rolling five-year ag policy frameworks play a central role in shaping the operating environment for producers. They determine the structure and funding of key programs such as AgriStability, AgriInvest, AgriInsurance and AgriRecovery, as well as cost-shared initiatives that support on-farm sustainability, market development, research and technology adoption. 

For the beef sector, the consultation process for the NPF gives beef producers and the broader beef industry an opportunity to share what’s working, where programs fall short, and what needs to change to better reflect the realities on farms and ranches. 

Here’s a recap of the role of the framework and the consultation process: 

Ag Policy Framework 101 

Canada’s agricultural policy frameworks are five-year federal-provincial-territorial agreements that set the overall direction for agriculture and agri-food policy. They determine how governments invest in business risk management programs, cost-shared initiatives, sustainability efforts, research, innovation and market development. 

Developing the next framework 

Work on the next framework begins several years before the current agreement ends. Governments use this early phase to gather feedback from producers, commodity groups and industry organizations on current challenges, emerging risks and opportunities for improvement. 

Key themes expected to shape discussions include: 

• Business risk management tools that are timely, responsive and better aligned with today’s cost structures and production risks. 
• Competitiveness and productivity, including support for innovation, data, and adoption of new technologies. 
• Environmental sustainability, with an emphasis on outcomes-based approaches that recognize regional differences and producer-led solutions. 
• Market access and trade diversification, particularly in the context of geopolitical uncertainty and evolving global demand. 
• Administrative simplicity and program delivery, reducing complexity and improving accessibility for producers of all sizes. 

At this stage, consultations focus on broad priorities rather than specific program rules. Feedback gathered now helps inform the principles, priorities and negotiating positions that governments bring to federal–provincial–territorial discussions. 

Timelines 

Consultations on the next agricultural policy framework are now open and will continue through 2026 and 2027. Federal, provincial and territorial governments are expected to outline a high-level vision and prioritiesin July 2026, followed by more detailed negotiations on how each province will prioritize and administer the vision through program design and funding. 

The next agricultural policy framework is expected to come into effect once the current framework concludes in March 2028. 

How producers can participate 

General consultations are typically led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, however more detailed consultation on program design  are done by the provinces and territories, and may include online surveys, targeted engagement sessions, and discussions with commodity groups and industry organizations. 

Producer organizations play a key role in aggregating feedback and advancing sector-specific priorities. Producers are encouraged to share their experiences with existing programs, identify barriers to participation, and highlight areas where policy changes could make a meaningful difference at the farm level. 

Alberta Beef Producers will participate in this process, as it has with past agricultural policy frameworks, bringing forward updated information and direction based on input from beef producers.