Shannon Bennett

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) - CAAIN's Prairie Agtech Validation Program (supported by PrairiesCan) is providing Alberta producers and Prairie-based agtech firms with opportunities to validate and demonstrate new technologies in real world production environments. By enabling companies to test functionality, performance, and economic value under on farm conditions, the program bridges the critical gap between prototype development and commercial adoption. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) - CAAIN's Research and Innovation Stream Accelerator Pilot, supported by the AAFC ACT program, strengthens the national smart farm network and accelerates adoption of energy-efficient, emissions-reducing, and precision agriculture technologies. Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) - CAAIN serves as Canada’s primary hub for agricultural AI adoption. More than 80 per cent of CAAIN-funded projects incorporate AI, addressing sector challenges such as labour shortages, productivity decline, and food security by connecting innovators and producers nationwide. Global Affairs Canada (GAC) - CAAIN is collaborating with Global Affairs Canada to explore pathways for showcasing Canadian agtech and AI capabilities to international partners. Canada’s diverse agricultural products, climates, and production systems position Canadian entrepreneurs and producers to provide valuable expertise to emerging markets worldwide. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) - Collaboration and consultation on modernizing Canada’s agrifood sector's productivity, sustainability, and resilience through science, applied research, automation, AI, smart farming technologies, precision agriculture, climate?smart innovation, and digital transformation. Innovation, Science, Economic Development (ISED) Strategic Response Fund (SRF) - Funding renewal under SRF funding will allow CAAIN to sustain momentum in network-building and accelerate the growth, adoption, and commercialization of agricultural technologies that enhance productivity, competitiveness, and outcomes for Canadian producers, while advancing food sovereignty, security, and affordability. The funding will expand AI-driven tools, national agriculture data capacity, and innovation adoption through connected smart and commercial farms. It will also support Indigenous and remote community food systems, and reduce waste through precision technologies.

Health Canada's Policy update on restricting food advertising primarily directed at children Bill C-252 An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (prohibition of food and beverage marketing directed at children)

To educate government on how labour disruption issues affect grain supply chain. Review of product registrations of stored product pest control products pursuant to the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations. Proposed implementation of Front of Pack (FOP) symbols on food packages for foods with qualifying selected nutrient densities and related food claims. Proposed Amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations -- compositional standards/standards of identity, food additive uses and allergen labelling requirements as they pertain to products of grain milling. Proposed amendment of the Food and Drug Regulations to remove regulations pertaining to foods while creating new, modernized Food Regulations pursuant to the Food and Drugs Act. Proposed amendments to the Feeds Regulations. Proposed amendment of the Pest Control Products Act to permit incorporation by reference of maximum residue limits for pest control products.. Proposed amendment of the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Act to clarify responsibility for manufactured foods. Modernization and proposed amendments to Section 4 of the Food and Drugs Act and consequential amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations. Implementation, interpretation (guidance documents),compliance monitoring and enforcement of the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations in alignment with the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations sections and provisions as they apply to food. Health Canada's proposed prohibitions on advertising of foods - advertising directed at children. Government of Canada regulatory response to implementation of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act, areas of Canada/US food regulatory cooperation under the Canada/US Regulatory Cooperation Council initiative. Amendment of the Canada Transportation Act to restore access for shippers to extended interswitching among carriers for rail freight transportation. Amendment of and additions to the Maximum Residue Limit Database of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Establishment of maximum limits for contaminants in foods pursuant to the Food and Drug Regulations. Allocation of additional human and financial resources to new and ongoing mycotoxin research in AAFC Research Branch and the Canadian Grain Commission Grain Research Laboratory. Adoption of maximum limits for mycotoxins in cereal grains and processed grain-based foods in either the Food and Drug Regulations and/or the Canada Grain Regulations and related guidelines.

Discussions regarding potential federal contribution funding for food processing investments in Canada. Policies and regulations affecting dairy system, supply management, and regenerative agriculture. Federal regulations on plastics and recycled content requirements. Advocacy regarding trade tariffs and regulatory changes under CUSMA and other trade agreements.