Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

The CFFO Commentary: The Canada Brand gets extended to the Domestic Market

By Nathan Stevens
May 25, 2012
 
Proponents of Canadian food for Canadians got a boost last week as the Federal Government announced that the Canada Brand has been expanded to include a domestic component. This is a positive step forward in market-oriented ways to enhance farmer’s opportunities both domestically and abroad.
 
The Canada Brand has been in existence for a number of years promoting the positive qualities of food produced in Canada in foreign markets. For example, Canada Brand has put considerable effort into promoting high value pork cuts in Japan. Extending the Canada Brand into the domestic market recognizes that the domestic market plays a key role in the viability of the agri-food sector.
 
Although the domestic portion of the Canada Brand is currently a relatively small program, with only 65 stores currently enrolled in the program, it is a start. This is the follow-up to a 2011 pilot program conducted in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and British Columbia that sought to clearly identified Canadian products in a select group of stores. The program used shelf displays, brochures and other printed products, with the goal of increasing consumer awareness about Canadian food options on store shelves.
 
The results of the initiative showed that sales of Canadian food products went up significantly when clearly advertised. This key result adds new proof regarding Canadian consumer preferences towards clearly identified Canadian food. While this doesn’t mean that they will necessarily pay more for Canadian food, when given a choice, many prefer the Canadian option.
 
It is encouraging that our federal government is choosing to support initiatives that are domestically oriented as well as pursuing trade opportunities aggressively. Time will tell if additional Canadian grocery stores will choose to pursue this opportunity in the future. Canada’s agri-food industry should be sure to balance the importance of taking care of the domestic market while looking farther beyond our borders for new opportunities.


 

Nathan Stevens is the Interim Manager and Director of Policy Development for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and UCB Canada radio stations in Chatham, Belleville, Bancroft, Brockville and Kingston and in Brantford and Woodstock. It is also found on the CFFO website:www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,200 family farmers across Ontario.

Views: 58

Comment

You need to be a member of Ontario Agriculture to add comments!

Join Ontario Agriculture

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Leif Carlson Named Vice President, Markets and Trade 

Cereals Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Leif Carlson to the position of Vice President, Markets and Trade, effective immediately. In this role, Carlson will lead efforts to expand and protect global market opportunities for Canada’s cereal crops. “Leif’s expertise, commitment to agriculture, and proven leadership continue to strengthen the Canadian cereals value chain,” said Dean Dias, Chief Executive Officer of Cereals Canada. “His leadership in this role will support dependable market access and sustained global demand for Canadian wheat, durum, barley, and oats.” In his previous role as Director of Market Intelligence and Trade Policy, Carlson championed the promotion of Canadian cereals and helped protect the interests of the value chain in global markets. Since September 2025, he has also represented the sector as a Director with the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), advocating for fair and predictable trade. Carlson holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a

Canada’s Ag Day: Celebrating Farmers Who Grow Their Best for the World

Every year, Canadian farmers combine expertise and innovation to grow their best for the world. Their commitment ensures that Canada continues to deliver wheat that meets the needs of millers, bakers, and consumers here at home and in over eighty countries around the globe. As we celebrate Canada’s Ag Day, we’re proud to recognize the dedication of the people whose work feeds families, supports our economy, strengthens rural communities, and helps sustain Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality wheat. Highly valued for its high protein content, milling performance, and ability to produce great tasting foods—from breads and noodles to pastries and breakfast cereals—Canadian wheat is a top choice for millers and food manufacturers in more than 80 countries. Find out what makes Canadian wheat amongst the best in the world at Canadian Wheat—Quality You Can See and Taste

Grain sector warns of information gaps in AAFC research reductions, calls for immediate program impact disclosure

Grain Growers of Canada is calling on the federal government to provide clarity on the impacts of recent staffing reductions and announced closures or consolidations of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research facilities, stating that downstream consequences cannot be assessed without clear, program-level information. “Transparency is essential when decisions affect the foundation of Canada’s agricultural research system,” said Scott Hepworth, chair of Grain Growers of Canada and Saskatchewan grain farmer. “Without clear disclosure of what research capacity is being reduced or eliminated, the sector cannot understand the long-term risks to production and competitiveness,” he added. “It must be clear what capacity is being lost, where, and with what consequences.” Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has cited personnel confidentiality in limiting details on the announced changes. Grain Growers of Canada emphasized that while personnel confidentiality must be respected, it does not,

New Leadership Team Named at OFVGA

Ontario’s fruit and vegetable association appoints a new chair and vice chair to lead advocacy, manage challenges, and support growers across the horticulture industry.

CRSB Launches Certified Beef Producer Incentive Program

CRSB launches a new incentive program offering 400 dollars to certified beef producers in 2026 to reward sustainable practices and strengthen Canada’s responsible beef supply chain.

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service