Canadian agri-food leaders unite ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit

The United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) taking place on September 23, 2021 is a critical dialogue for people around the world to ensure the future of sustainable food systems and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The signatories to this statement, Canadian farmers, ranchers, input providers and food and beverage producers, play an important role in shaping the future of our national and global food systems and advancing global goals.

“Agriculture has an amazing capacity to contribute to climate change solutions, in Canada many of our agriculture products including beef have half the GHG footprint in comparison to our global partners. That’s because we have strategically invested for generations in research, innovation and the application of these practices through the supply chain. We have to share what we have achieved but also strive to do more.”

Bob Lowe, President, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association

The UNFSS has given our Canadian Agri-Food sector the opportunity to reflect and celebrate our shared advancements and achievements in sustainability, innovation, and the production of safe and nutritious food. We are proud to be feeding Canada and the world, and we recognize that continual advances are critical to creating a more sustainable future and one that Canada will play a leadership role in. The UNFSS provides the platform to look forward and together chart an inclusive, multi-stakeholder and systems approach for the future of food.

“Canadian agriculture is already hard at work to reduce emissions and address climate change through initiatives like the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Across all sectors of agriculture, sustainability is a priority in how we do business today and, how we will drive our industry forward.”

Janice Tranberg, President and CEO, National Cattle Feeders’ Association

Through science, effective policy and programs, governance, and application of best management practices, Canadian farmers, ranchers, input providers and food and beverage producers are committed to advancing safe, secure, nutritious and sustainable food systems through the following:

• Climate Smart Solutions. Investing in and advocating for innovation, research, and strategic and collaborative goal setting and action plans in relation to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resiliency.
• Farmers & Ranchers of the Future. Providing pragmatic, solution-oriented ideas, strategies and practices to ensure food production is economically viable, diverse, and a meaningful place to work for the current and the next generation. Supporting the next generation of farmers through mentorships and new entrant programs, and making it easier for young farmers to invest in their future.
• Reducing Food Loss and Waste. Continually evaluating food loss and waste along the value chain, and investing in and providing innovative solutions for the future.
• Sustainable Agriculture and Production Practices. Employing practices that advance nature positive agriculture, respect our planetary boundaries and further enhance our environmental contributions while ensuring farmers remain profitable.
• Collaborative Approaches. Recognizing the interconnectivity of agriculture systems and the strength brought forward by diverse perspectives, we commit to continued conversations on how to continually improve the Canadian food system.
• Resilient Food Systems. Increasing the resiliency of our food systems to ensure a continual supply of safe, affordable food, to maintain strong rural, coastal, urban and indigenous communities, and to strengthen food system actors’ ability to withstand external shocks such as COVID-19 and extreme weather events.
• Safe and Affordable Food. Sharing of best food safety and animal care practices and investing in and adopting of innovations that enhance productivity as we work with communities towards achieving zero hunger and food security for all.
• Innovation as a Lever of Change. Embracing a science-based approach to solving the challenges faced by our food systems, recognizing that innovation and technology have the power to deliver the transformative change needed to realize a resilient and accessible food system.
• Diverse Food Systems. Recognizing that diverse domestic and global food systems are resilient food systems, build on the integrated circular economy within food systems that recognize the true value of food.