The Wheat Growers Association is calling on the federal government to embrace bold, decisive action to modernize Canada’s agricultural regulatory system. In a new joint statement, chair Daryl Fransoo and executive director Darcy Pawlik argue that Canada stands on the cusp of a generational opportunity – if we have the courage to act.
“Cut the Anchor: Unlocking Canada’s Agricultural Future through Regulatory Renewal” outlines a compelling vision: a nation ready to lead in global agri-food markets but held back by outdated and risk-averse regulatory systems that stifle innovation, deter investment and slow progress.
“Canadian agriculture has everything it needs to lead the world – except a regulatory system built to compete in the 21st century,” said Fransoo. “Our growers are ready. Our innovators are ready. It’s time for our institutions to catch up.”
The call to action comes amid growing concern over prolonged delays in crop protection product approvals, skyrocketing regulatory costs and a systemic failure to align with science-based frameworks used by trusted international partners like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Brazil’s ANVISA.
A moment of choice
The Barton Report identified agri-food as one of Canada’s most promising engines of economic growth, capable of contributing an additional $30 billion to GDP. Yet progress is stalled by cumbersome regulatory frameworks that prioritize process over outcomes.
“This is not about deregulation,” said Pawlik. “It’s about intelligent, mission-driven regulation that protects Canadians while enabling innovation. We must stop confusing complexity with safety.”
A vision for professional regulatory delivery
The Wheat Growers propose the creation of an independent, professional Regulatory Delivery Oversight body – non-partisan, focused exclusively on delivering regulatory approvals with speed, scientific integrity and economic foresight. This agency would:
- Leverage science-based decisions from trusted international jurisdictions to fast-track approvals;
- Operate with defined timelines and measurable outcomes;
- Be transparent, outcome-driven and accountable to both public safety and economic growth;
- Serve as a signal to global investors that Canada is open for business in AgTech and value-added agriculture.
The cost of inaction
The consequences of delay are real. Canada is already losing its share of global R&D in crop inputs and plant breeding. Companies are bypassing Canada for more agile jurisdictions. And farmers are forced to compete globally using tools that are years out of date.
“Every day we delay, the cost mounts – in lost investment, in lost yield and in lost global relevance,” warned Fransoo.
The statement urges Canada to act with urgency and foresight – not to tinker with the current system, but to reimagine it. The future of Canadian food security, farm profitability and environmental sustainability depends on it.
About the Wheat Growers Association
Founded in 1970, the Wheat Growers is a voluntary farmer-run advocacy organization dedicated to developing public policy solutions that strengthen the profitability and sustainability of farming, and the agricultural industry as a whole.
For more information, please visit wheatgrowers.ca. Click here to see who is helping to advocate for grain farmers.