Canadian Agrifood Entrepreneurs Tackle Food Security Amid Limited Support
Toronto, Sunday, 25 May 2025.
Canadian agrifood innovators are pivotal in enhancing food security but face challenges due to inadequate funding and support, despite their sector being Canada’s largest manufacturing industry.
Innovations in the Agrifood Sector
As Canada faces increasing concerns over food security, agrifood entrepreneurs are spearheading innovations to create a more resilient food system. These innovators are developing new products and transforming raw ingredients into valuable opportunities. Despite being part of the largest manufacturing industry in Canada, these entrepreneurs are struggling with limited funding and support [1][2].
Transforming Canadian Agriculture
The agrifood sector in Canada is crucial for local food production and is identified as the nation’s largest manufacturing sector [1]. However, much of the raw produce is currently exported and then imported back in processed form, leading to higher costs and potential health risks due to additives [2]. Addressing this, entrepreneurs are focusing on processing and packaging food domestically to enhance food security by reducing reliance on imports [2].
The Role of Agrifood Entrepreneurs
Notable efforts come from individuals like Arlene Dickinson, who works closely with agrifood entrepreneurs to foster business growth and innovation [1]. Dickinson is based in Canada and emphasizes the need for government and industry to invest in infrastructure and commercialization to support these businesses [1]. Despite the challenges, the determination of these entrepreneurs underscores the sector’s potential to enhance national food security [2].
The Path Forward
Programs like the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) aim to provide support to agrifood entrepreneurs by offering resources and networking opportunities to scale sustainable businesses [3]. These initiatives underscore the importance of investing in agrifood innovations to ensure a secure and independent food system that can withstand global pressures [3].