Leadership Panel on Food & Wellness Connection

From CAPI Update, Winter 2010

The Problem: Canadians are beset by rising rates of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases. The cost of providing health care is increasing. The cost of bringing new therapies to market is enormous. Currently, health and agriculture policies are devised largely on separate tracks, with little regard for how they support each other. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the foods they eat and how these foods are produced and processed.

Opportunity: We need to change the way we eat. Policymakers need to focus on preventing disease — of which diet is a major determinant — in order to make people healthier and reduce health budgets. This challenge presents economic opportunities for the agriculture and agri-food sector. Canada is capable of producing the healthiest and safest foods in the world. Getting there means examining the responsiveness of the regulatory environment, our capacity to support the production of healthier foods, and the efficiency of the innovation pipeline. All of these factors contribute to delivering premium value-added foods and Canadian brand advantages.

Research Program: CAPI has studied the links betweenhealth and agri-food policies and programs. Guided by its Leadership Panel on Food and Wellness Connection, CAPI is now exploring optimum approaches for Canadian policy-makers that are based on the common desire to deliver nutritious and healthy foods. CAPI is exploring how stakeholders can resolve production impediments in order to deliver healthier foods from a more vibrant Canadian agri-food sector. CAPI is seeking to build a platform for consensus on an action plan to engage policy-makers. Case studies will explore success models that are drawn from the experiences of key commodities. In 2010, CAPI held a pivotal Leaders Summit and is undertaking subsequent research to identify the most forward-moving ideas on how to integrate health and agri-food policies.