As Canada grapples with the complexities of a shifting global food landscape, it may be time to evaluate our approach, examine our strengths and vulnerabilities, and dive deeper into how innovation and collaboration can fortify our position with food security
By Tabitha Caswell for Bioenterprise Canada
The most recent Global Food Security Index (GFSI) report by Economist Impact signals a weakening global food system where Canada stands as a key player, holding the 7th rank among 113 countries on the list. This pivotal position showcases Canada’s potential to spearhead global initiatives and become a leader in the pursuit of global food security.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. With food prices at an all-time high, we cannot dismiss the pressure felt within our borders. Perhaps we must first examine our weaknesses, reinforce our internal agri-food systems, and work to ensure they are resilient enough to serve as a model for international counterparts.
Challenges in Canadian Food Security
While Canada performs well in food quality and safety, the nation faces significant challenges due to factors like agricultural infrastructure issues and climate risks. In addition, our food security is tested by changing consumer demands and the globalization of food supply chains, which necessitates the importation of certain food products that may be susceptible to global market fluctuations.
Technological advancements, such as precision agriculture and supply chain analytics, offer promising solutions, but their widespread adoption is still in early stages. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions can lead to trade disruptions, emphasizing the need for more self-sufficient, adaptive, and locally supportive food system strategies.
What is Food Security Risk Management?
Food insecurity is a result of not having consistent, regular access to nutritious food. It includes the perception or the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty that goes along with this experience. According to the most recent data from Statistics Canada, the number of Canadians who live in households that experience food insecurity is at 22.9%, or about 9 million people – up from 18.4%, or 6.9 million people, only one year prior.
Food security risk management involves close examination of risks that threaten to disrupt a food system, developing and implementing strategies to mitigate the potential risks, and consistent monitoring of the system to remain prepared to react. The process is necessary to ensure that all people have consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs.
This comprehensive management approach focuses on maintaining the availability, access, stability, and utilization of food resources. Canada’s natural resources are plentiful, along with its human capital. With developed education and economic systems, Canadians possess the skills and talent necessary to implement and maintain robust food systems. So, what is missing from our current system to make it even better?
Strengthening Food Security through Collaborative Efforts
Geographically, Canada’s resources span great distances. Operationally and politically, provinces and regions function independently. These and other factors inhibit nationwide collaboration.
To advance food security in a country the size of Canada, it is essential to foster collaborations among stakeholders, including governments, private sector players, and non-profits. Through joint efforts, these collaborations can drive the adoption of innovative agricultural practices and technologies that ensure a resilient food supply.
Understanding the broad scope of challenges sets the stage for actionable solutions. Consequently, the role of agri-tech accelerators becomes crucial in unifying diverse groups to work towards a common goal.
An accelerator like Bioenterprise can facilitate these collaborations by bringing together expertise and resources to scale effective and innovative solutions. They can also advocate for policies that support sustainable agriculture and food distribution, particularly in under-served regions of Canada.
The Role of Agri-Tech, Start-Ups, and Accelerators in Canada’s Agri-Food Systems
Agri-tech and innovation can significantly contribute to improving food security by integrating advanced farming practices, which can lead to increased agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Agri-tech startups focused on improving farming practices, introducing new food production methods, and the movement of products through our food systems can make significant impacts on the future stability of food security in Canada. Supporting agri-tech entrepreneurs ignites opportunities for economic development in and outside of the food sector.
By making targeted investments in areas like agricultural research and development (R&D) and technology, Canada can push forward to develop technologies that enhance the nutritional quality of food. We can also address issues related to diet-related diseases, which are a leading cause of premature death globally.
While Canada has made positive investments in agri-food research and technology, further challenges come after discoveries are made. There is still a disconnect when it comes to the commercialization and adoption of innovative products and systems.
Dave Smardon, CEO of Bioenterprise, says, “The critical, albeit often overlooked, stage in the research-to-market trajectory is where the full potential of public and private sector innovation support is realized.”
National ecosystem leaders like Bioenterprise play a pivotal role here by coordinating support for agri-tech startups and projects that aim to improve our food systems. As a national accelerator, Bioenterprise is positioned at the epicentre of fragmented regional networks with a clear view of the road map connecting all stakeholders within the Canadian food ecosystem. With more than 20 years of experience and exposure in the agri-food sector, Bioenterprise can act as an extension of the government, supporting policy that fosters growth and highlights opportunities.
Opportunities in Canadian Food Security
Despite challenges, Canada has numerous opportunities to enhance its food security. The country can leverage its technological prowess to modernize agricultural infrastructure, thus reducing the impact of climate risks. Investment in agri-tech can lead to more efficient water use, improved crop resilience, and better forecasting of environmental changes.
Additionally, Canada has the chance to expand its food export markets by demonstrating leadership in sustainable food production practices. There is also an opportunity to engage the next generation of farmers and entrepreneurs through educational programs focused on sustainability and technology in agriculture. Lastly, increased collaboration between government, private sector, and research institutions can result in innovative solutions that secure food systems against climate-related disruptions.
Enhancing food security in Canada requires a strategic approach to risk management that integrates cutting-edge agri-tech solutions and collaborative efforts.
By focusing on both immediate and long-term challenges, Canada can manage risk and work toward its goal of ensuring that all Canadians have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. Strengthening Canada’s agri-food infrastructure and framework will, in turn, strengthen our ability to lead other countries toward food security as well.