Adopting new technologies is a major driver of growth in the agriculture and agri-food sector. That is why, from 21 March 2018 to 20 September 2018, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food studied technological advancements and research in the agriculture sector and how they can support Canadian exports. The Committee heard from 25 witnesses and received 13 briefs. Committee members also traveled to Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and British Columbia to meet with sector stakeholders.

This report presents the main international trade issues facing the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector, including access to foreign markets, transportation and labour issues, and reviews the new technologies that could improve the sector's competitiveness. However, the report stresses that the sector will only be able to reap the full benefits of these new technologies if certain obstacles are overcome, such as restricted Internet access in rural areas, the sometimes prohibitive cost of technology and the lack of investment, which jeopardizes some projects even before they are commercialized.

The report also examines the role of government in this context. Among its recommendations, the Committee proposes that the government should maintain a favourable investment climate, provide a transparent, predictable and timely regulatory framework, and promote science-based rules internationally. Finally, the report argues that it is also the government’s role to foster collaboration with industry and academia, both within Canada and internationally, in order to support innovation.