Agriculture policy frameworks

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together through national agricultural policy frameworks to guide how public funding is used to support agriculture producers and food and beverage processors across Canada. These frameworks set shared priorities and guide the design and delivery of programs and services that support the agriculture and agri‑food sector. 

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is the current framework, supporting programs and services from 2023 to 2028. Governments are now beginning work on the next agricultural policy framework, which will guide support for the sector starting in 2028. 

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (2023-2028) 

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5‑billion, five‑year agreement (2023–2028) between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.  

Sustainable CAP supports the agriculture and agri-food sector by strengthening competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and resilience, while helping businesses respond to economic, environmental, and market conditions. 

In British Columbia, Sustainable CAP supports a broad range of programs and services, including activities that: 

• Support the adoption of beneficial management practices related to soil health, water management, nutrients, and emissions 
• Strengthen business planning, skills development, and knowledge transfer 
• Support food safety, traceability, animal health, and sector preparedness 
• Help producers and processors invest in new tools, technologies, and production approaches 
• Help agriculture and food businesses pursue domestic and international market development opportunities 

The next agriculture policy agreement (2028–2033) 

The next agricultural policy framework (NPF) will guide government support for agriculture and food and beverage processing in Canada from 2028 to 2033, following the end of Sustainable CAP. 

While Sustainable CAP programs and services are still being delivered, federal, provincial, and territorial governments are already working together to look at what is working well under the current framework and to identify opportunities to improve programs and services under the next framework. 

This work includes gathering input from the sector and considering how programs and services can best support agriculture producers and food and beverage processors in an evolving context, including advances in technology, changing markets, climate impacts, and economic conditions. 

The next agricultural policy framework will replace Sustainable CAP when it ends on March 31, 2028, providing the framework for continued government support for the agriculture and agri‑food sector.