As the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector moves into the 21st century, it faces many challenges and opportunities for continued prosperity.

Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture have pledged to meet today's challenges by jointly developing a comprehensive Agricultural Policy Framework composed of five elements:

• Business risk management
• Food safety and food quality
• Science and innovation
• Environment
• Renewal

All provinces and territories have now signed on to the APF, and have signed Implementation Agreements with the Government of Canada.

Governments have been holding consultations with a wide range of groups and individuals. Please take some time to learn more about the APF, and how governments are engaging in a dialogue with Canadians.

All provinces and territories have agreed to the Terms of Reference for the APF Review Panel. The Panel is to provide advice to the ministers on how well government and industry are moving on shared objectives.