Once a global trailblazer, Canada’s farm sector is now lagging as approval delays and outdated rules push innovation across the border.
CropLife Canada is urging the federal government to make agriculture a top economic priority, arguing that bold regulatory reforms could unleash more than $100 billion in GDP growth over the next decade.
Pierre Petelle, president and CEO of the industry association, says Canada’s agricultural potential is being stifled by a slow-moving regulatory system that’s leaving farmers and innovators behind. “There has been considerable talk about unleashing Canada’s economy, and agriculture cannot be overlooked as a national priority,” Petelle told Seed World Group.
A Sector Falling Behind
Once a global leader in agricultural innovation, Canada is now struggling to keep pace. Petelle notes that submissions for new pesticide approvals have fallen by half over the past decade, while approval timelines have nearly doubled — a trend that risks pushing investment and innovation elsewhere.
Farmers used to be among the first to access new crop protection tools,” Petelle said. Now they’re waiting while competitors in other countries reap the benefits.
The delays come at a time when the sector’s productivity growth has stagnated — dipping below 1%, down from nearly 2% twenty years ago. “In an industry where there’s so much potential to increase productivity and serve a global market in need of Canadian-grown food and feed, we need to capitalize on the opportunity,” Petelle added.
The Call for a “Bold Reset”
CropLife Canada argues that Canada’s regulatory framework — particularly within the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) — needs a “bold re-set.”
The group’s recommendations include:
- Putting food security and affordability first by updating CFIA and PMRA mandates to factor in economic outcomes alongside health and safety.
- Modernizing regulation through alignment with risk-based global best practices.
- Meeting 100% of approval targets to restore investor confidence and attract R&D.
- Cutting red tape that doesn’t improve safety but slows innovation.
According to new data from spark*insights, 81% of Canadians believe every dollar invested in agricultural science and technology delivers strong national economic returns.
A Shrinking Global Footprint
A recent RBC report paints a stark picture: Canada’s share of the global agriculture market has slipped 12% since 2000, falling from 5th to 7th place. Without major changes, the report warns, that decline will continue.
Petelle says the economic consequences are far-reaching. “Canadian crops are exported around the world and bring billions into our economy, funding essential services like healthcare and infrastructure. Agriculture is truly the backbone of the Canadian economy and a huge engine for growth that benefits every Canadian.”
CropLife Canada, along with several other national farm and agri-food organizations, has signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney calling for urgent action.
