Book 2 — Department, portfolio structure and key relationships: Minister's transition book 2025, AAFC

AAFC employees

AAFC is a federal organization of 5,022 employees based across Canada who support our world-leading agriculture and agri-food sector, including:

• 2,282 employees based in research centres across the country
• 2,074 at headquarters in Ottawa
• 369 working at headquarters in Winnipeg
• 32 Locally Engaged Staff and 12 Canada-Based Staff in Canadian embassies/consulates/missions abroad through an agreement with Global Affairs Canada

The employee count excludes 24 individuals on a secondment, 611 students, 89 casuals, Governor in Council appointees and Ministers' exempt staff.

Offices and research and development centres

AAFC has regional offices that support regional market and industry services, as well as research and development centres (RDCs) across Canada to support its science and program objectives. The RDCs are organized into 3 regions:

• Coastal (Atlantic and Pacific)
• Prairies, and
• Quebec and Ontario

Regional offices are located in:

• Yukon: Whitehorse
• British Columbia: Burnaby
• Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton
• Saskatchewan: Regina
• Manitoba: Winnipeg
• Ontario: Guelph, Jerseyville
• Quebec: Montréal
• New Brunswick: Fredericton, Moncton
• Nova Scotia: Truro, Halifax
• Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown
• Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's

Research and development centres are located in:

• British Columbia: Agassiz, Summerland
• Alberta: Lacombe, Lethbridge
• Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Swift Current
• Manitoba: Brandon, Morden
• Ontario: Harrow, London, Guelph, Ottawa
• Quebec: Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Sherbrooke, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec
• New Brunswick: Fredericton
• Nova Scotia: Kentville
• Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown
• Newfoundland and Labrador: St. John's

Core areas of responsibility

Domestic and international markets

• Support sector competitiveness at home and abroad
• Increase export opportunities for the sector by maintaining and expanding access in key markets and advancing agricultural interests internationally

Science and innovation

• Conduct collaborative scientific research with producer organizations and other industry stakeholders, academia, Indigenous groups, other government departments and provincial, territorial and international partners
• Develop new knowledge and technologies, and transfer the results to the sector
• Work with industry and other partners to strengthen the sector's capacity to develop and adopt innovative practices, products and processes

Sector risk

• Provide tools to mitigate the financial impact of risks beyond producers' control that threaten the viability of their operations, including business risk management (BRM) programs
• Work with the sector to ensure that systems, standards and tools are developed to support its ability to prevent and control risks and address market demands

Branches and leadership team

Chief Policy Adviser to the Minister on matters within their authority, Head of the department and the Departmental Accounting Officer.

Corporate Management Branch

Leads strategic engagement with branches and Treasury Board Secretariat to ensure the sound stewardship of the department's human and financial resources, assets and real property. Oversees the delivery of innovative client services across a range of functions, including operational services to research centres, finance, procurement, real property, security, human resources, reporting and pay. The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency operates under the Corporate Management Branch.

International Affairs Branch

Oversees the implementation of agriculture and agri-food trade priorities in the areas of regulatory and technical import-export functions; market access, advocacy and trade policy; market development and diversification; and engagement with stakeholders in Canada and abroad. Shared role between AAFC and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Information Systems Branch

Leads Information Management and Information Technology (IM/IT) services, including the support, development, management and operation of digital solutions, modern technologies, enterprise data assets and the cyber security program, thereby enabling the department to effectively perform core functions and deliver on its mandate and priorities.

Market and Industry Services Branch

Oversees bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations, market information and analysis, sector engagement, regional intelligence, and emergency management to support the economic growth and long-term prosperity of the agriculture and agri-food industry domestically and internationally.

Public Affairs Branch

Provides support and advice to the Minister, Deputy Minister and all branches within the department, oversees strategic and operational activities for internal and external communications, including media relations, marketing and advertising, social media, and public opinion research. Departmental lead for the management and delivery of translation and access to information and privacy (ATIP) services.

Programs Branch

Provides strategic direction, advice and operational oversight of the design, delivery and management of the department's Grants and Contributions and Statutory programs and services to support producers, businesses and sector organizations.

Science and Technology Branch

Provide strategic direction and operational oversight of the research, development and technology transfer activities at 20 AAFC research centres, advancing knowledge and solutions to address the challenges in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Strategic Policy Branch

Provides strategic direction and advice on policy development through strategic planning, policy analysis, research and liaison with industry, other levels of government, central agencies and other government departments.

Office of Audit and Evaluation

Oversees audits and evaluations to provide independent and objective advice to support the Deputy Minister and AAFC senior leaders in making decisions and delivering on AAFC's mandate.

Agriculture and Food Inspection Legal Services

Oversees legal advisory services to AAFC, supporting policy development, legislative drafting and reform, and providing advice in litigation matters. Also provides legal support to CFIA, Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC), and Farm Products Council of Canda (FPCC).

Deputy Minister's Office

Mireille Aubrey, Acting Workplace Well-Being Ombuds, Office of the Ombuds

Provides independent, informal, confidential and impartial support for all AAFC employees to address workplace issues. Advises the Deputy Minister on systematic issues and trends, and related matters.

Provides support to the department in the areas of parliamentary affairs, portfolio coordination, appointments, correspondence, briefing materials, governance, administration, concierge services for the Minister's Office, and the employee networks for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Oversees functions of the Deputy Minister's Office.

Farm Credit Canada

Mandate

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) provides specialized and personalized business and financial services and products to the agriculture and food industry.

Funding

FCC is self-sustaining and is not dependent on government appropriations. Funds to support its operations are borrowed directly from the Government of Canada under the Consolidated Borrowing Program, which must be approved by the Minister of Finance and the Treasury Board.

As of September 30, 2024, FCC's portfolio increased to $53.6 billion (from $50.8 billion on March 31, 2024) and net income amounted to $524 million.

Leadership

The President and CEO of FCC is responsible for the supervision of the business of the corporation. Working with the Board of Directors, the President and CEO is responsible for the strategic leadership of the corporation and for providing leadership and advice to the Board on all matters of policy affecting the direction and operation of the corporation.

The Chairperson serves as the FCC's primary liaison to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and is responsible for leading the 12-member FCC Board of Directors while working closely with the CEO.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors consists of a maximum of 12 members, which includes the President and CEO, the Chairperson and up to 10 directors. Quorum for the board is 5 directors.

Three positions are set to expire by May 20, 2025, and 3 positions are currently vacant. As per the legislation, members continue to sit on the board until they resign, are replaced or are reappointed.

Canadian Dairy Commission

Mandate

The Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) ensures that the supply-managed system in the dairy sector is working to benefit producers through a fair return for their production and that consumers have an adequate supply of high-quality dairy products.

Funding

The CDC receives funding from Parliament, dairy producers, the marketplace, and its commercial operations.

The CDC's total budget is $17.5 million for the dairy year ending July 31, 2025, including $5.1 million from government appropriations. The remaining $12.4 million is funded by CDC's commercial operations, from milk producers for programs administered on their behalf and from the marketplace for the storage of butter.

Leadership

The CEO is responsible for overall operations and management of the CDC and serves as the primary liaison between the CDC and dairy industry stakeholders and government officials.

The Chairperson serves as the CDC's primary liaison to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and is responsible for leading the CDC Board of Directors while working closely with the CEO and commissioner.

Board of Directors

The governing board is composed of the CEO, the chairperson, and 1 member.

All 3 positions are currently occupied.

Canadian Grain Commission

Mandate

In the interests of grain producers, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC)'s mandate, as set out in the Canada Grain Act (CGA), is to establish and maintain standards of quality for Canadian grain, to regulate grain handling in Canada and to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets.

Funding

The CGC is funded through appropriations from Parliament and fees charged for services delivered.

For 2024-2025, the CGC's total budget was $80.69 million (funded by $5.9 million in annual government appropriation and $74.79 million in user fees revenue/use of accumulated surplus).

Leadership

The Chief Commissioner reports directly to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and administers and enforces the CGA. The Chief Commissioner also serves as the CEO and provides overall direction and leadership to the staff of the CGC in administering the act and regulations and in the provision of services to the grain industry.

Board members

The CGC is led by a chief commissioner, an assistant chief commissioner, and a commissioner.

The assistant chief commissioner position is currently vacant.

Farm Products Council of Canada

Mandate

The Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC)'s responsibilities, as defined in the Farm Products Agencies Act (FPAA), are to:

• advise the Minister on all matters relating to the establishment and operations of agencies under the FPAA with a view to maintaining and promoting efficient and competitive industries
• approve production quota regulations and levies orders, licensing regulations and certain by-law provisions
• work with agencies in promoting more effective marketing of supply-managed farm products
• investigate and take action, within its powers, on any complaints related to national agency decisions; and
• hold public hearings when necessary, such as when new agencies are proposed

Funding

The FPCC is funded entirely through appropriations as part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's ongoing votes listed in the Main Estimates.

For fiscal year 2024-2025, FPCC's budget was $3.2 million.

Leadership

The Chairperson of the FPCC is appointed by the Governor in Council and reports to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, providing advice on the activities, objectives, requirements, and policies of the FPCC, and on all matters relating to the establishment, operation, and performance of agencies under the FPAA.

Vice-Chairperson: Bonnie den Haan
Appointment: April 21, 2023 to April 20, 2027

Board of Directors

FPCC consists of 3 to 7 members. There is currently a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and 3 members on the Council.

Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal

Mandate

The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal (CART)'s mandate is to give the public the opportunity to request reviews of certain decisions or penalties imposed under various agriculture and agri-food acts. Requests for reviews come from individuals and industry. In this regard, the organization plays a key role in ensuring a fair and efficient administrative monetary penalty system.

Funding

On November 1, 2014, CART became 1 of 12 tribunals that are supported by the Administrative Tribunals Support Services of Canada (ATSSC), which falls under the Minister of Justice. Although the ATSSC allocates a budget to CART and provides administrative support, CART remains part of the agriculture portfolio.

Leadership

The chairperson is a full-time member of CART and is its CEO. In this capacity, the chairperson is accountable for the effectiveness and efficiency of CART's operations and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. However, because of the size of the tribunal, it is not an independent entity under the Financial Administration Act.

Board members

The tribunal consists of members to be appointed by the Governor in Council, one of whom is to be appointed as chairperson.

There is currently 1 chairperson and 2 members.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Mandate

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is a science-based regulatory agency responsible for mitigating and managing risks related to food safety, animal health and plant protection, and prioritizing the health and safety of Canadians.

In considering CFIA's mandate, there are key areas where its activities impact and influence the competitiveness and economic interests of the sector, particularly:

• food safety, animal health and plant protection
• domestic and international trade and market access, and
• regulatory modernization

In 2013, CFIA transitioned from the Agriculture and Agri-Food portfolio to the Health portfolio to better align federal authorities related to food safety. The Minister of Health is responsible for the overall direction and budget of CFIA and for issues related to food safety. CFIA continues to report to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food for non-food safety activities and economic and trade issues, for example, issues related to animal health, plant protection, market access and trade, and agricultural inputs such as feeds, seeds, and fertilizer.

There are instances where CFIA will be required to brief and seek approval from both the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Minister of Health on issues and initiatives that cross areas of responsibility. These include issues such as biotechnology or animal or plant issues that may impact the food supply, such as antimicrobial resistance, and market access issues related to food safety.

Funding

Total planned spending on core responsibilities and internal services was $1.01 billion in 2024-25 and total planned revenue from all business lines (food safety, animal health and plant health) was $53 million.

Leadership

Executive Vice-President: Vacant

Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency

Mandate

The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA) is a special operating agency/revolving fund within Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Corporate Management Branch that regulates and supervises pari-mutuel betting (a unique pool-betting system) in Canada on horse races.

The CPMA's responsibilities are described in the Pari-Mutuel Betting Supervision Regulations, as made by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, pursuant to section 204 of the Criminal Code:

• regulate and supervise pari-mutuel betting in Canada on horse races
• issue permits to conduct pari-mutuel betting and oversee compliance
• monitor and audit pari-mutuel betting systems to protect the betting public and maintain integrity in the betting
• provide an anti-doping program involving the testing of samples collected from racehorses

Ensuring pari-mutuel betting is conducted in a way that is fair to the public is the basis for the public interest mandate of the agency.

Funding

The activities undertaken by the CPMA are subject to the Revolving Funds Act. The programs and services are funded by a federal levy of 0.8% applied against each dollar bet in Canada on horse racing. The CPMA does not receive appropriated funds. In fiscal year 2024-25, total pari-mutuel wagering amounted to $1.003 billion, generating $8.028 million in levy revenue for the CPMA.

Leadership

Legislative authority

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible for all matters over which Parliament has jurisdiction, not by law assigned to any other department, board or agency of the Government of Canada, relating to:

• agriculture, products derived from agriculture and related research including the operation of experimental farm stations.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Portfolio are responsible for over a dozen acts which enable more than 200 regulatory instruments. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Health Canada are also key regulators of the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Key AAFC statutes and regulations

Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Act

• Enables AAFC to support the sector from the farm through all phases of producing, processing and marketing of agriculture products to consumers in Canada and global markets. The Certificates of Age and Origin for Distilled Spirits Produced or Packaged in Canada Order falls under this act.

Agricultural Marketing Programs Act and Regulations

• Establishes programs for the marketing of agricultural products. Programs under the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act are designed to improve marketing opportunities for program participants by improving their short-term cash flow requirements (for example, the Advance Payments Program).

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act and Regulations

• Establishes a loan guarantee program designed to increase the availability of loans for farmers and agricultural co-operatives to establish, improve and develop farms, while co-operatives may also access loans to process, distribute or market products of farming.

Farm Income Protection Act and Canada Production Insurance Regulations

• Provides the framework for federal, provincial and territorial multilateral agreements regarding the business and income-related risks facing Canadian agricultural producers.

Spirit Drinks Trade Act

• Respects the implementation of international trade commitments by Canada regarding spirit drinks of foreign countries and recognizes that the use of certain spirit drink names is exclusive to their country of origin.

AAFC activities are also subject to Section 204 of the Criminal Code

• Provides authority for the Minister to make regulations in respect of pari-mutuel betting. The Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency maintains this regulatory framework to govern and ensure the integrity of pari-mutuel betting systems on horse races in Canada.

Key Portfolio statutes and regulations

Canada Grain Act and Regulations (Canadian Grain Commission)

• Outlines authorities of the Commission and establishes regulations that govern quality standards for Canadian grain, and regulates grain handling to ensure a dependable commodity for domestic and export markets.

Agricultural Products Marketing Act (Farm Products Council of Canada)

• Enables the delegation of federal authority over interprovincial and export trade in the marketing of farm products to provincial commodity boards. There are over 160 regulatory instruments under the Agricultural Products Marking Act that enable these authorities.

Farm Products Agencies Act

• Establishes the Farm Products Council of Canada and provides the foundation for national marketing agencies and the creation of promotion and research agencies (for example, the Canadian Pork Promotion-Research Agency Proclamation).

Canadian Dairy Commission Act and Dairy Products Marketing Regulations (Canadian Dairy Commission)

• The act outlines the authorities of the Canadian Dairy Commission, and the Dairy Products Marketing Regulations regulate the marketing of dairy products in interprovincial or export trade.

CFIA oversight

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act

• Enables the CFIA to establish policies and standards relating to the safety and nutritional quality of food sold in Canada, and to administer and enforce the: Feeds Act; Fertilizers Act; Food and Drugs Act (as it relates to food); Health of Animals Act; Plant Breeders' Rights Act; Plant Protection Act; Safe Food for Canadians Act; Seeds Act; and the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act.

Shared authority

The Minister shares authority with the Minister of Health on matters pertaining to food safety standards and enforcement. Health Canada is responsible for the Food and Drugs Act and the Pest Control Products Act, which have a direct impact on the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Roles and responsibilities

Agriculture is largely an area of shared jurisdiction between federal and provincial/territorial (FPT) governments. In particular, Section 95 of the Constitution Act (1867) establishes that primary agriculture is a concurrent area of jurisdiction. This has led to a unique dynamic of FPT agreements and initiatives over time that are jointly cost-shared with the provinces and territories. For example, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) 2023-2028, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) 2018-2023, Growing Forward 2 (GF2) 2013-2018, and Growing Forward 2008-2013.

While both orders of government can create their own agricultural programming, there are some areas of responsibility that have a distinct jurisdictional lead:

• Section 91(2) gives the federal government jurisdiction over international and interprovincial trade and commerce.
• Provinces have responsibility for intra-provincial trade and commerce under Section 92(13).
• The federal spending power also enables the advancement of national priorities.

FPT processes

The FPT Ministers of Agriculture Table meets at least once per year to set overall FPT policy direction in key areas of significance across the country. This occurs in-person at the Annual Conference of FPT Agriculture Ministers, which takes place each July. The federal minister co-chairs this conference alongside a provincial or territorial co-chair that rotates on an annual basis. Manitoba is the co-chair for 2024-2025 and Nova Scotia will take on the role for 2025-2026. The 2025 Annual Conference will be in Winnipeg from July 16 to 18. A joint FPT communique is released following the conclusion of the conference, indicating to the public the key highlights of ministerial discussions, decisions (if applicable), and priorities moving forward.

In addition to the annual conference, the Ministers' Table also meets as needed throughout the year on priority or urgent issues, often virtually. Bilateral meetings between the federal minister and provincial–territorial (PT) counterparts complement these multilateral efforts in that they address the varied local, unique issues such as regional-specific disasters impacting certain sectors (floods and droughts) and research and science partnerships to address the needs of the jurisdiction.

The Ministers' Table is supported by ongoing meetings of FPT Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputy Ministers, throughout the year, to advance priorities from one annual conference to the next.

Current FPT priorities

The FPT table has been seized with a number of topics, which are expected to be discussed at upcoming engagements:

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• Trade diversification and market access: Maintaining an open dialogue on opportunities to diversify into new, emerging or existing markets
• Interprovincial trade: Reducing barriers where possible to access new opportunities for agriculture and agri-food trade within Canada
• Animal disease preparedness: Ensuring FPT preparedness and response efforts for avian influenza, African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, etc.
• Business risk management (BRM) programming: Exploring potential programming improvements
• Planning for the Next Policy Framework (2028-2033): Determining the vision and priorities for the sector over the longer term
• Emergency management: Renewing the emergency management framework for agriculture in Canada
• Grocery Sector Code of Conduct: Monitoring industry's progress toward implementation of their voluntary code
• Other topics: Monitoring labour access issues; pesticide management challenges for the sector; science and technology opportunities

Annex — PT landscape: British Columbia

• British Columbia's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $6.1 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, representing 2.0% of the total provincial GDP and 9.2% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were $5.0 billion in 2024
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• Drought/wildfires have been a key issue the last couple of years. [REDACTED]
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Annex — PT landscape: Alberta

• Alberta's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $9.4 billion in GDP in 2023, representing 2.7% of the total provincial GDP and 14.2% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were $23.1 billion in 2024.
• Bill 18: Effective April 1, 2025, the Provincial Priorities Act requires that future agreements between federal and provincial entities be subject to provincial government appeal.
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• [REDACTED] Alberta is Canada's largest beef-producing province, with the largest beef processing facilities. [REDACTED]
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Annex — PT landscape: Saskatchewan

• Saskatchewan's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $5.8 billion in GDP in 2023, representing 7.4% of the total provincial GDP and 8.7% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were $21.3 billion in 2024.
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Annex — PT landscape: Manitoba

PT co-chair for the July 2025 Annual Conference of Ministers in Winnipeg

• Manitoba's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $4.9 billion in GDP in 2023, representing 6.9% of the total provincial GDP and 7.3% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were $9.8 billion in 2024.
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Annex — PT landscape: Ontario

Minister Jones was appointed to the agriculture portfolio on March 19, 2025.

• Ontario's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $23.3 billion in GDP in 2023, representing 2.7% of the total provincial GDP and 34.9% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were $22.2 billion in 2024.
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• [REDACTED] Ontario is the largest employer of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) [REDACTED]
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Annex — PT landscape: Quebec

PT co-chair on the FPT Working Group on Retail Fees.

• Quebec's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $13.3 billion in GDP in 2023, representing 3.0% of the total provincial GDP and 20.0% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were $13.0 billion in 2024.
• Grocery Code of Conduct: Quebec Minister Lamontagne is the Provincial co-chair with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on the Grocery Code of Conduct file. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Quebec's department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have actively bolstered industry efforts to develop and implement a voluntary Grocery Sector Code of Conduct for Canada. Quebec [REDACTED] and is the lead PT on managing the disbursement process for the Adjudication office on behalf of FPT governments, with support from AAFC.
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• [REDACTED] Quebec is the largest hog-producing province [REDACTED]
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Annex — PT landscape: New Brunswick

• New Brunswick's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $1.6 billion in GDP in 2023, representing 4.6% of the total provincial GDP and 2.4% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were $1.2 billion in 2024.
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Annex — PT landscape: Nova Scotia

• Nova Scotia's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $1.2 billion in GDP in 2023, representing and 2.7% of the total provincial GDP and 1.8% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were at $752.5 million in 2024.
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Annex — PT landscape: Prince Edward Island

• Prince Edward Island's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $605.9 million in GDP in 2023, representing and 8.3% of the total provincial GDP and 0.9% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were at $828.0 million in 2024.
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Annex — PT landscape: Newfoundland and Labrador

• Newfoundland and Labrador's agriculture and agri-food sector generated $561.9 million in GDP in 2023, representing 1.9% of the total provincial GDP and 0.8% of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector GDP. For primary agriculture, farm cash receipts were $181.3 million in 2024.
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The 3 territories have a small but growing agriculture sector. Primary agriculture represented less than 1% of provincial GDP in each of the territories in 2023.

Annex — PT landscape: Yukon

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Annex — PT landscape: Northwest Territories

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Annex — PT landscape: Nunavut

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Major stakeholders

Cross-sectoral associations

• Canadian Federation of Agriculture
  National umbrella organization representing producers, composed of provincial general farm organizations (for example, Union des producteurs agricoles) and national and interprovincial commodity groups.
• Union des producteurs agricoles (In French only)
  Provincial organization representing roughly 42,000 Quebec farmers and forestry producers.

Field crops

• Canada Grains Council
  National, member driven organization representing the interests of the Canadian grain, oilseed, pulse and special crop supply chains (producers, processors, input providers, etc.). The council aims to increase domestic and international sales of Canadian grain.
• Grain Growers of Canada
  National farmer-driven organization aimed at maximizing global competitiveness. Works to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations.
• Canadian Canola Growers Association
  Association of 5 provincial associations (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario) bringing farmers' interests forward on national and international issues. Association is the largest Advance Payments Program administrator, providing cash advances to farmers to help market their commodities and finance their operations.
• Canola Council of Canada
  Industry association encompassing all links in the canola value chain, including canola growers, life science companies, grain handling companies, exporters and processors, as well as food and feed manufacturers. Members focus on common challenges and develop common platforms for growth.
• Pulse Canada
  National association representing growers, traders and processors of Canadian pulses (dry peas, beans, lentils, faba beans and chickpeas). Focused on creating efficiencies by eliminating barriers to trade; and creating new opportunities through diversified, stable, and sustainable demand for pulses.
• Seeds Canada
  National voice of the Canadian seed sector. Represents the full seed value chain, including seed growers, analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, retailers, service providers and other stakeholders. Focused on plant breeding innovation, seed regulatory modernization, international trade, value creation, and plant breeders' rights.

Livestock production

• Canadian Cattle Association
  National voice for Canada's beef farms and feedlots. Works with producers to maintain a dynamic and profitable beef sector, focusing on trade and market access; environment and climate change; economic resiliency; food policy; and animal welfare.
• Canadian Pork Council
  National policy and advocacy organization representing Canada's hog producers. It focuses on supporting the competitiveness of the sector by expanding and maintaining market access, differentiating Canadian pork from its competitors, managing animal health and competitive risks, and strengthening public trust.
• National Cattle Feeders' Association
  Represents Canadian cattle feeders and works with both federal and provincial governments to advance the interests of the feed lot sector. Its work is premised on sustainable growth and profitability; competitiveness; and industry leadership and partnership.

Supply management groups

• Dairy Farmers of Canada
  A national policy, advocacy and promotional organization representing Canadian dairy farmers. The organization is committed to food safety, animal care, sustainability, and oversees the industry's "proAction" program which provides a quality assurance system through industry standards.
• Canadian Hatching Egg Producers
  National representative for the broiler hatching egg industry which ensures a steady supply of broiler hatching eggs to Canada's chicken industry. Its main objectives focus on animal welfare, food safety and continuous industry improvement through research grants.
• Chicken Farmers of Canada
  National representative for the chicken production industry. Its main focus is to ensure that Canadian chicken farmers are meeting national demand for chicken. The organization also promotes the safe and sustainable production of chicken in Canada.
• Egg Farmers of Canada
  National representative for the shell egg production industry. Egg Farmers of Canada manages the supply of eggs, promotes eggs and develops egg standards for Canada.
• Turkey Farmers of Canada
  National representative of Canada's turkey producers. The organization manages the supply of turkeys to meet national demand and promotes the consumption of turkey meat.

Horticulture

• Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada
  A national, not-for-profit umbrella association that represents producers and packers of over 120 fruit and vegetable commodities across Canada. Its key areas of focus include labour, the environment, industry standards, crop protection, business risk management programming and trade issues.
• Canadian Produce Marketing Association
  Represents companies active in fresh fruit and vegetable marketing, including retailers, distributors, importers, packers and producers, and a significant number of members based in the United States. The organization aims to drive industry prosperity and increase fresh fruit and vegetable consumption.

Organics

• Canadian Organic Alliance
  The Alliance is made up of the 3 national organic associations: the Canadian Organic Trade Association, the Canadian Organic Growers, and the Organic Federation of Canada. Its intention is to act as a unified voice for the organic sector.

Fish, seafood, and aquaculture

• Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance
  National industry association representing the interests of over 95% of Canada's aquaculture industry, including finfish, shellfish and aquatic plant farmers, feed companies and suppliers, as well as regional aquaculture associations. One of the alliance's focus areas is the development of a national aquaculture strategy.
• Fisheries Council of Canada
  Non-profit trade association representing companies engaged in the harvesting, processing, importing and marketing of wild-capture fish and seafood. It promotes a healthy resource and works to develop an economically sound, market-driven, competitively-structured industry that offers harvesters, employees and processors secure and stable opportunities and a sustainable future.

Processing sector

• Food and Beverage Canada
  National association bringing together 6 provincial and regional food industry associations plus leading industry and stakeholder members (that is, Maple Leaf Foods and Gay Lea Foods) to advocate for a competitive environment; promote innovation and global trade opportunities for industry; as well as provide skilled jobs for Canadians.
• Canadian Meat Council
  Represents Canada's federally registered meat packers, meat processors and suppliers of equipment, services and goods to the meat industry. It prioritizes trade support, regulatory competitiveness, stakeholder engagement and providing service to its members.
• Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors
  National association representing the interests of all major hatcheries, egg graders and processors, and primary and further chicken and turkey processors.
• Dairy Processors Association of Canada
  National industry association representing the public policy and regulatory interests of the Canadian dairy processing industry. Members process the vast majority of milk in the country (over 90%). The organization's primary goal is working with members, government and other stakeholders to ensure the economic viability and growth of the dairy processing sector through advocacy on international trade policy, sustainability and product innovation.

Agri food value chain

• Retail Council of Canada
  Advocates for retailers in Canada through effective advocacy, communications and education.
• Restaurants Canada
  National, not-for-profit association advancing Canada's diverse and dynamic foodservice industry.
• CropLife Canada
  National trade association representing the manufacturers, developers and distributors of pesticides and plant breeding innovations.
• Fertilizer Canada
  Industry organization that represents producers, manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers.

Annex: Key firms

• Food retailers
  Numerous food retailers operating under many different store brands. The main retailers are Loblaw Companies Ltd, Metro, Sobeys, Walmart, Costco and independent retailers represented by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.
• McCain Foods
  A Canadian multinational frozen food company. World's largest manufacturer of frozen potato products.
• Maple Leaf Foods
  Canadian multinational of consumer-packaged meats and food production company.
• Richardson International
  A global leader in agriculture and food processing. Canada's largest agribusiness and a worldwide handler and merchandiser of all major grains and oilseeds.
• Viterra
  Leading marketer and handler of grains, oilseeds, pulses and cotton. Business lines include marketing, facilities, logistics, and processing capabilities, including a large global network of marketing offices in 38 countries.
• JBS Foods
  A global, diversified animal protein company. Is one of the largest beef companies in Canada, focusing on further processed and value-added products.
• Cargill
  One of Canada's largest merchandizers and processors. Interests include the processing of beef, poultry, and oilseed, and the manufacturing of livestock feed, crop input product retailing, as well as grain handling, milling, salt distribution and merchandising.
• Agropur
  A co-operative of 2,700 dairy farmers who process and market a wide range of dairy products and strong brands.
• Saputo
  Top 10 dairy processor in the world, with products sold in over 60 countries. Products include a variety of cheeses, specialty cheeses, fine cheeses, fluid milk, cream, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese and ice cream mixes, as well as certain other dairy and non-dairy products, including butter, flavoured cream, dips and flavoured coffee whitener.
• AGT Foods
  Saskatchewan-based processor of plant-based proteins and pulses, grains, staple foods and ingredients for export and domestic markets, procuring lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, durum wheat and canola from farmers located near its 45+ facilities and offices located in Canada and on 4 continents and shipping processed products to over 120 countries.
• Sofina
  A privately owned Canadian company. One of the nation's leading manufacturers of primary and further processed protein products for both retail and foodservice customers, Has a broad portfolio of branded and private label pork, beef, fish, turkey and chicken products.
• Olymel
  Canadian leader in producing, processing and marketing pork and poultry meat. Serves the Canadian market and exports products to over 50 countries. They have over 20 plants in 5 Canadian provinces.
• Maple Lodge
  Largest chicken processor in Canada. Creating a sustainable future by providing quality chicken products with a focus on the humane treatment of animals, the responsible use of resources and the positive development of their employees and the communities in which they operate.
• Sollio Cooperative Group
  Canada's largest co-operative with 3 distinct divisions of agriculture, food and retail.
• Federated Cooperatives Ltd.
  Major supplier of fuel, lubricants and propane products to farmers and processors in Western Canada.
• Norterra Foods
  Canadian company specializing in the processing and marketing of canned and frozen vegetables.
• Lassonde
  Canadian company with operations across North America developing, manufacturing and marketing fruit juices, soups, sauces and broths.
• Bimbo
  Canada's largest bakery and a leading producer and distributor of fresh packaged breads and snacks, with more than 1,000 products across more than 18 brands.
• Nutrien
  A leading global provider of crop inputs and services. Operating a network of production, distribution and ag retail facilities to serve the needs of farmers.

At Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), 2 processes are used to make appointments: Governor in Council (GiC) and Ministerial.

GiC appointments

GiC appointments are those made by the Governor General acting on the advice of Cabinet. An Order in Council is the legal instrument which, when signed by the Governor General, formalizes the appointment.

Under the existing Privy Council Office (PCO) policy, formal selection processes are required for all leadership (heads of organizations) and supporting positions. These selection processes are jointly managed by PCO and the department and require Cabinet approval and sign-off by the Governor General. AAFC works with the Minister to develop recommendations for appointments. GiC appointees play an important role in Canada by serving on commissions, boards, Crown corporations, agencies and tribunals across the country.

GiC organizations and appointment provisions

Within the AAFC portfolio, the following are GiC appointments:

• Farm Credit Canada (FCC): A maximum of 12 members, including the President and CEO, the Chairperson and not fewer than 3 nor more than 10 Directors;
• Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC): A Chairperson, a Chief Executive Officer and one member;
• Commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC): A Chief Commissioner, an Assistant Chief Commissioner and a Commissioner;
• Farm Products Council of Canada (FPCC): Not less than 3 nor more than 7 members, including one Chairperson and one Vice-Chairperson; and
• Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal (CART): Not less than 1 and no maximum number of members, one of which is the Chairperson.

With the exception of CART and FPCC agency auditors, there are up to 25 GiC appointee positions in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Portfolio.

GiC appointment next steps

Decisions will be required to determine next steps for the following positions:

• Assistant Chief Commissioner, CGC: Vacant as of February 14, 2025.
• Directors, FCC: Three positions are set to expire by May 20, 2025, and 3 positions are vacant. Members continue to sit on the board until they resign, are replaced or are reappointed.
• Member, FPCC: One position set to expire on April 29, 2025.
• Member, CART: One position is set to expire on December 12, 2025.
• Chairperson, CDC: Set to expire December 22, 2025.

Ministerial appointments

Ministerial appointments are made under the Minister's direct authority and do not require the approval of the Governor General. A Minister's authority to make ministerial appointments may come from a variety of sources, including federal and provincial legislation, federal/provincial/territorial and international agreements, and the documents that create, continue or establish an organization.

Ministerial appointment entities

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible for the appointment of board and committee members for 4 entities: Appeal Boards of Farm Debt Mediation Services (FDMS), the Eastern and Western Grain Standards Committees of the CGC, Inspectors for the 6 national agencies overseen by the FPCC, and the National Program Advisory Committee, totalling just over 100 Ministerial appointments.

Ministerial appointment next steps

The following Ministerial appointments will require action in the next 3 months:

• Farm Debt Mediation Services Appeal Board
  • 5 members are set to expire on August 12, 2025, 1 member is set to expire on August 31, 2025, and 3 members are set to expire on November 30, 2025.