CFIA rules cost Canadian farmers $657 million a year

This report provides a comprehensive review of how the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) interacts with farmers and the agency’s impact on Canada’s agriculture sector.

Agriculture is an important part of the Canadian economy , employing 2 million people and contributing 8.1 per cent of Canada’s GDP.  

The report finds that, overall, CFIA rules cost Canadian farmers approximately $657 million a year. 

While efforts have been made by the CFIA to improve service, a majority of agri-business owners continue to report little improvement in their interactions with the CFIA. Concerns include inconsistent rulings, unclear regulations, and excessive paperwork.