The mandate of the Research and Analysis Directorate is to provide the Department with top quality, relevant and timely economic information and advice on the agri-food sector and public policy, and to ensure that accurate, objective and credible information on the structural, economic and financial situation in the sector is generally and widely available.

• The Research and Analysis Directorate (R&A;) is headed by Michael Keenan, Director General, and its two divisions are Policy Analysis Division and Economic & Industry Analysis Division.
• The Director General's Office (DGO) is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Directorate.
• The Policy Analysis Division carries out economic analysis in support of the Branch's mandate of policy monitoring and development. Large scale computer models are maintained and utilized to provide quantitative assessments of how changes in market conditions and/or policies could affect the well-being of the agricultural sector. Primary level models and cost of production data are utilized to analyse policies and programs and demonstrate primary sector impacts. International and domestic conditions are monitored and assessed on an on-going basis.
• The Economic and Industry Analysis Division is responsible for analysing agricultural commodity and product markets including the vertical linkages within specific sectors and the horizontal interaction across sectors, to assess sector performance and identify constraints and opportunities for the development of Canadian agriculture. It is also responsible for analysing agricultural programs and policies, both federal and provincial, to measure the level and effectiveness of the support provided and identify ways in which support can better facilitate the development of Canadian agriculture.