Food production in Canada 'must be revamped'

A report issued by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) think-tank has called for a total rethink on the country's food production and policies.

It outlines a clear set of objectives for Canada to reach by 2025, with the first being to increase the nation's exports to $75 billion (£47 billion), from its current level of just $38.8 billion.

There are also calls for Canada to make changes to its environmental policy changes, with the aim of having eco-materials and biofuels support 75 per cent of the food sector within the same 14-year timeframe.

"We need … all those involved in food to step up to the plate. The opportunity is clear. We need consumers here and abroad to choose Canadian food. We want investors to choose Canada," the report says.

Meanwhile, in the UK, Britain's health secretary Andrew Lansley has offered reassurance to the manufacturers of snacks and convenience foods that he is keen to avoid "intrusive, restrictive and costly regulation" in the future.

Posted by Philippa Atkins