Halifax statement sets a strong direction for much-needed resilience across the sector
July 17, 2026, Ottawa (ON) - Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS) welcomes the vision for the next Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) for 2028–33 outlined by federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers in the Halifax Statement. The statement reflects a clear understanding of the challenges facing Canadian agriculture, and the role of public policy in responding to them. Its commitments to strengthen resilience through proactive risk management and environmental stewardship; advance science, research, on-farm innovation, and knowledge transfer to improve adoption of best practices; and diversify production and markets are exactly what we need in this framework to set a new direction for an innovative, resilient, and thriving sector.
These priorities align closely with recommendations put forward by the Resilient Agriculture Initiative (RAI) following consultations with more than 150 farm organizations and agricultural leaders, as well as a national poll of 1,366 farmers and ranchers.
“The Halifax Statement signals that governments understand the challenge of farming in a time of climate change,” said Karen Ross, Executive Director of Farmers for Climate Solutions. “With costs rising, production growth slowing, and margins under pressure, the next APF must help farmers and ranchers build resilience through diversification, enhanced stewardship, and sector-wide investments in research and innovation, knowledge transfer, and market development. The Halifax Statement gives the next APF a strong opportunity to deliver on that vision.”
Based on what we heard from producers across Canada through the RAI, the next APF should prioritize:
On-farm resilience, stewardship, and market diversification;
Business Risk Management (BRM) programs and other programs that reward proactive risk reduction; and
Producer-led research, innovation, extension, and knowledge transfer.
These priorities are reflected in the Halifax Statement.
“Resilience is built on farms and ranches, but it is enabled by good policy and sector support,” said Ken Coles, Board Member of Farmers for Climate Solutions and Executive Director of Farming Smarter. “The resilience of Canadian agriculture depends on the science and practical tools that support it. As climate conditions continue to change, producers need trusted research, practical tools, and regionally relevant advice to adapt with confidence. We’re therefore encouraged to see ministers recognize today the importance of science, research, and innovation for the future of Canadian agriculture.”
FCS is also encouraged by ministers’ commitment to a framework that is flexible and offers accessible programs. Through the RAI, producers consistently told us the next APF should ensure programs meet the needs of Canada’s diverse agricultural sector, including diversified, mixed, and emerging production systems.
Governments have set a strong direction. Now the next APF must deliver on that promise with sizeable new investments across all priority areas in proactive programming that help producers reduce risk, improve profitability, and adapt to a changing climate.
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For more information
See the Resilient Agriculture Initiative’s brief: Prioritizing resilience in the next Agricultural Policy Framework: A prerequisite for progress on all other priorities
About the Resilient Agriculture Initiative
Launched in 2026, the Resilient Agriculture Initiative (RAI) brings together producers and agricultural experts committed to strengthening the resilience of Canadian farms and ranches. The RAI advances practical, producer-informed policy solutions that enhance economic resilience, reward effective stewardship, unlock new investment and market opportunities, and support a profitable, thriving agricultural sector. The RAI is a project of Farmers for Climate Solutions.
About Farmers for Climate Solutions
Farmers for Climate Solutions is a farmer and rancher-led national coalition supporting farmers and ranchers to thrive in a changing climate.
Media contact:
Rebecca Babcock, Communications Manager
rebecca@farmersforclimatesolutions.ca
647-564-4238