Toward a 'Canadian Diet'

A report commissioned by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), Building Convergence: Toward an Integrated Health and Agri-Food Strategy for Canada, makes the case for linking agriculture and health policy in Canada.

"Canada is facing a diet-related health crisis and a farm income crisis driven by very different challenges," said Dr. Laurette Dubé, Professor and Founding Chair and Scientific Director of the McGill World Platform for Health and Economic Convergence. "But a solution to both rests increasingly on the convergence of health and agriculture policy."

The report recognizes initiatives being taken by governments to respond to these challenges. It also points to the need for change, such as the need for greater public investment in food related R&D, improving the regulatory environment, advancing health claims for foods, and promoting traceability. As well, the report promotes the concept of a "Canadian diet" to promote awareness of health benefits from Canadian foods.

» Read the press release

Media coverage

Building Convergence was released in August of 2009. Nearly 80 media outlets covered the story. Below is a sample of the coverage:

• Food strategy long overdue,
  Winnipeg Free Press
• Agri-foodies push Canada's berries and flax,
  CTV News
• Health, agriculture policy closely tied, group argues,
  Winnipeg Free Press
• Agriculture, health policy perfect fit: academics,
  Western Producer
• Report ties improving farm income to improving foods,
  Canadian Cattlemen
• Mediterranean Diet - Make Your Own Using Locally-Grown Food,
  ThatsFit
• Link Health and Agricultural Policies: CAPI
  Canadian Poultry

Related CAPI publications

• Toward an Integrated Health and Agri-Food Strategy (brochure)
• Finding Common Ground: A Synthesis Report
• Finding Common Ground: A Technical Report

Home    |     About    |     Publications    |     Events     |     Contact Us     |     Français