The federal government has announced a new $3.2-billion National Food Security Strategy aimed at lowering grocery bills while strengthening Canada’s food supply chain.
The strategy, called “More Choice. More Control. More Canada,” focuses on increasing domestic food production, reducing reliance on imports and creating more competition in the grocery sector. The government wants to increase the share of healthy food produced in Canada from 75 per cent to 85 per cent by 2032.
The plan includes $1 billion over 10 years to expand the Ontario Food Terminal and build regional food hubs that will help independent grocers and local farmers reach consumers without relying on major grocery chains. Another $750 million will support greenhouses and vertical farms, while $1 billion through Farm Credit Canada will help finance food processing projects.
The strategy also includes new support for farmers, including higher capital gains exemptions, larger guaranteed loans for young farmers and continued interest-free advances for 2026. Regulatory changes are also planned to speed up approvals for agricultural products.
The Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario welcomed the announcement, saying it supports long-standing calls for a national food strategy that strengthens Canadian agriculture, reduces imports, preserves food processing jobs and lowers costs for consumers.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture also supported the strategy but said its success will depend on meaningful involvement from farmers. Meanwhile, Conservatives criticized the plan, arguing government spending and taxes have contributed to higher food prices and affordability challenges.
