In 2022, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that the international community is “moving backwards” in its efforts of ending world hunger and malnutrition. This situation is further clouded by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, which is a major supplier of grain to developing countries and is now struggling to export its agricultural products.

From 6 June to 20 June 2022, the Committee held three meetings aimed at understanding as quickly as possible what immediate measures Canada could implement to support the Ukrainian agriculture sector and strengthen global food security. The Committee’s recommendations were compiled in a letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food which is attached to this report.

This report reiterates the need to support Ukraine, such as by monitoring supply chains to detect grain stolen from Ukrainian farmers in Russian-occupied territories. It focuses on the evidence heard between 28 September and 16 November 2022, which was aimed at identifying ways to unlock Canada’s potential to meet global food demand. The report identifies barriers that compromise Canada’s ability to further meet global demand.

The witnesses discussed the need to address the labour shortage particularly affecting the agriculture and food processing sector, as this is one of the biggest impediments to growth in the sector. They also stressed the importance of streamlining regulations, supporting innovation, and establishing or strengthening mechanisms to ensure the financial stability of farm businesses. Witnesses also highlighted the importance of Canadian farmers having the tools necessary to navigate climate change challenges and to continue the progress they have made in increasing their production while keeping greenhouse gas emissions associated with their operations low.

The report identifies the factors that compromise food supply chain fluidity. In order to get agricultural commodities to export markets, the Government of Canada should pay close attention to improving rail and port infrastructure and should make protecting international market access and rules-based trade a priority. It also stresses the importance of developing resilient local food infrastructure by strengthening local food systems and building regional processing capacity to ensure Canada’s food security.

Finally, in addition to making its products available in markets, Canada must contribute to international assistance for countries facing food crises as part of its foreign policy. Witnesses emphasized the importance of direct humanitarian assistance as the last defence for dealing with food crises, but stressed the importance of not neglecting capacity building in vulnerable countries to help make them more resilient to future crises.