Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
 | The factual accuracy of parts of this article (those related to article) may be compromised due to out-of-date information. (May 2013) |
| [Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada] Error: {{Lang}}: text has italic markup (help) | |
 | |
| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1868 |
| Jurisdiction | Canada |
| Minister responsible | |
| Deputy Minister responsible |
|
| Child agencies | |
| Website | agriculture |
The Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, also referred to as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) (Template:Lang-fr), is the department of the government of Canada with responsibility for policies governing agriculture production, farming income, research and development, inspection, and the regulation of animals and plants. It also has responsibilities regarding rural development. It is popularly called Ag-Canada.
The current Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is Lawrence MacAulay. The current Deputy Minister is Andrea Lyon.
History and structure
![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (April 2013) |
The Department of Agriculture was responsible for healthcare in Canada, between 1867 and 1919, before the Department of Health was created on September 1, 1919.[1] In 2013, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency was moved from the Agriculture Portfolio to the Health Portfolio. [2]
Organizations for which the minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is responsible include:
- Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal
- Canadian Dairy Commission
- Canadian Grain Commission
- Farm Credit Canada
- National Farm Products Council
- Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency
Acts and regulations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is responsible for a number of Acts related to agriculture and food in Canada.[3]
- Agricultural Marketing Programs Act
- Agricultural Products Marketing Act
- Animal Pedigree Act
- Canada Grain Act
- Canadian Agricultural Loans Act
- Canadian Dairy Commission Act
- Canadian Wheat Board Act
- Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Act
- Experimental Farm Stations Act
- Farm Debt Mediation Act
- Farm Credit Canada Act
- Farm Income Protection Act
- Farm Products Agencies Act
- Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act
Research
As part of the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Research Branch (Template:Lang-fr) has the mandate to propose solutions and opportunities based on science to support competitiveness and the sustainability of the agriculture and agri-food sector. It is also in the Branch's mandate to provide scientific information to inform departmental and governmental decision processes.
Under the Experimental Farm Stations Act dating back to 1886, farm stations across Canada were established. The officers of these stations had the duty of conducting research in a number of specific areas pertinent to agricultural productivity and conservation, and of making the results of such research known by publication.
Today, the Research Branch includes a national network of 20 Research Centres[4] and 2,300 employees, including some 500 research scientists. Research activities focus on seven national priorities,[5] including the enhancement of:
- Human health and wellness through food, nutrition and innovative products;
- The quality of food and the safety of the food system;
- The security and protection of the food supply;
- Economic benefits throughout the value chain from producers to consumers;
- The environmental performance of the Canadian agricultural system;
- Knowledge of Canadian bioresources and the protection and conservation of genetic diversity;
- New opportunities for agriculture from bioresources.
Industry support
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is also responsible for supporting corporate and local agricultural producers and suppliers. They do this through a variety of programs and services including Agri-Geomatics which develops products and services for internal and external users, and program facilitation.
See also
- Minister of Agriculture (Canada)
- Secretary of State (Rural)
- Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration
References
- ^ "Canada's Health Care System [Health Canada, 2011]". Health Canada. Retrieved 2012-05-02.
- ^ "Canadian Food Inspection Agency Joins Health Portfolio [Health Canada, 2013]". Health Canada. Retrieved 2014-10-25.
- ^ "Acts and Regulations > Neutral > About Us". Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Retrieved 2011-02-22.
- ^ http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1181591790641&lang=e
- ^ http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1183728579601&lang=e&lang=e