Providing a 'third voice for Canada's agri-food sector

From CAPI Update, Winter 2009

Welcome to the first newsletter of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI). In this inaugural issue, we wish to introduce readers to the organization, describe our history and objectives, and provide updates on some of our key projects.

Founded in 2004, CAPI is an independent, non-governmental organization dedicated to the success of Canada's agri-food sector. Thanks to long-term funding support announced by the Government of Canada in 2007, CAPI is now a permanent think-tank.

CAPI provides a "third voice" on critical issues facing government and industry, helping keep Canada at the leading edge of the global agri-food marketplace. Its vision is a more competitive, sustainable, and healthy agri-food sector. Traditionally, CAPI has focused on farm income. From 2004 to 2006, CAPI produced numerous papers and held several forums on farm income issues. Based on this work, CAPI developed a vision and strategic direction statement for use by sector stakeholders.

In recent years the Institute has branched out. In 2007, CAPI produced a major report on the role the agri-food sector can play in the health of Canadians. In 2008, CAPI undertook a project on issues affecting rural economies in Canada as a whole.

As well, CAPI has initiated a project to stimulate more flexibility in the regulatory system in Canada. Our next newsletter will carry an update on this work. Farm income also remains a key topic, and was the subject of a major CAPI study in 2008.

In 2009, the agri-food sector will continue to face major challenges, and will have to adapt to issues such as food safety and security, environmental impacts, rising energy costs, and an increasingly interdependent global economy.

"In view of globalization, Canada's agri-food sector will need to reinvent itself in order to compete and prosper," said CAPI executive chair Gaëtan Lussier. "I foresee CAPI making a significant contribution to this renewal."

We hope readers will enjoy the CAPI newsletter. Please visit our website to learn more about the Institute at www.capi-icpa.ca.