The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Ottawa Post has published it's annual FAIRS Report on Canadian Agricutural Policy.
In 2022, the US and Canada maintained their strong agricultural trading relationship, with US exports to Canada reaching $28.3 billion and a total two-way trade of nearly $66 billion.
US products accounted for 57% of Canada's global imports of agricultural goods, with high-value products making up $20 billion of these imports. The top five agricultural categories were bakery, cereal, pasta, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, food preparations, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The implementation of the USMCA in July 2020 and Canada's trade agreements with other trading blocs like the EU and the CPTPP increased competition in the Canadian market and expanded access to Canada’s supply-managed markets.
During the first half of 2023, the Canadian government revived several regulatory initiatives that were stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes proposed regulations for minimum recycled content in plastic packaging and advertising rules for foods and beverages high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat aimed at children under 13. Additionally, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may be added to Canada’s list of toxic substances due to associated health concerns.
The Canadian government announced plans to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for plastic packaging, which will incorporate minimum recycled content requirements, compostability rules, and the use of recyclability signs on the packaging. The initiative is a part of Canada's broader sustainability agenda and efforts to mitigate environmental impact caused by non-recyclable or non-compostable materials.
Additionally, Ottawa plans to introduce stringent regulatory measures on the advertisement of food and beverage products aimed at children under the age of 13. This step comes amid rising concerns over child nutrition and the growing prevalence of obesity among young Canadians.
Draft regulations for both these initiatives are expected to be ready by late 2023 or early 2024, following which they will be open for public consultations. This will allow industry stakeholders and citizens to provide their inputs and suggestions, ensuring the inclusivity of the regulation drafting process.
The Federal government has expressed its intent to classify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as toxic. PFAS, commonly found in a wide range of consumer products, have been linked to numerous health problems. The government plans to introduce draft regulatory measures over the next two years to control and mitigate the risk associated with these substances.
In 2022, Canada rolled out final regulations on front-of-package nutrition labeling (FOPNL) and a new framework for supplemented foods. The deadline for full compliance with FOPNL requirements has been set for January 1, 2026.
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