Canada Must Strengthen Food Sovereignty Amid U.S. Trade and Climate Challenges - Tariffs on HS Code: 0705

Canada’s food security is facing mounting risks as climate-related disruptions in California and new U.S. tariffs on agricultural imports threaten supply chains and increase costs for Canadian consumers. With 90% of Canada’s fresh produce coming from the U.S., particularly from California, the country is vulnerable to external shocks that impact food availability and affordability. To address these challenges, Canada must accelerate investments in local food production and climate-resilient agriculture.

The Impact of U.S. Tariffs and California’s Climate Crisis

Recent trade policies have led to higher costs for Canadian households and businesses reliant on imported produce. Additionally, extreme weather events in California—including worsening droughts, wildfires, and flooding—have destabilized staple crop production. These conditions have already led to shortages of key produce like leafy greens, berries, and tomatoes, driving up prices and increasing supply chain volatility.

In early 2023, severe storms in California’s Salinas Valley caused devastating lettuce shortages, echoing previous disasters such as the 1995 floods, which inflicted $400 million in agricultural damage. These disruptions underscore the urgent need for Canada to reduce its dependence on external food sources.

A Call for Canadian Agricultural Innovation

As climate change continues to threaten traditional growing regions, Canada has an opportunity to lead in sustainable and self-sufficient food production. Organizations like Quantotech and Northern Greens are pioneering climate-resilient agricultural models through hydroponics, vertical farming, and controlled-environment agriculture. These innovations provide stable yields regardless of external conditions, offering a sustainable alternative to reliance on imports.

Urban and Vertical Agricultural Solutions:

In addition to climate and import considerations, growing challenges with land availability make it critical to expand urban and vertical agriculture solutions. Given that Canada is not in a position to expand its agricultural land area—especially in light of restrictions imposed by the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), which protects prime farmland from non-agricultural development (see BC Government Agriculture ​)—focusing on high-density, urban food production is vital. Leveraging underutilized urban spaces and incorporating vertical farming systems for the production of high-quality crops can help increase local food supply while minimizing land conversion pressures.

Tackling Food Waste for a More Sustainable Future

Beyond increasing domestic production, tackling food waste is a key part of improving food security. In Canada, 46% of food produced is wasted—shockingly, 41% of that is still perfectly edible. This waste isn’t just bad for the environment; it hits wallets too. The average Canadian household throws out nearly $2,000 worth of food each year, even as one in five BC households struggles with food insecurity.

Innovative growing methods like vertical and hydroponic farming help reduce waste from the start. These systems grow food in controlled environments, meaning fewer crops are lost to pests, disease, or weather. Because they often use a roots-on model—where produce is sold with roots still attached—it stays fresher for longer, cutting down on spoilage both in transit and at home.

By supporting local growers, especially those using these sustainable methods, we also create stronger and more flexible partnerships with nonprofits. Groups like Food Stash Foundation, Vancouver Food Runners, and Quest Markets are already doing incredible work, recovering millions of pounds of edible food each year. Platforms like FoodMesh and Second Harvest connect extra food from businesses to nonprofits, keeping good food out of the landfill.

When food is imported, especially from the U.S., it travels farther, takes longer to arrive, and is harder to redistribute if it’s close to expiring. Local growing means faster harvest-to-table timelines and the ability to redirect surplus immediately to where it’s needed—something much harder to do with imported goods.

Together, local, innovative farming and nonprofit partnerships offer a powerful way to reduce waste and increase access to healthy food.

Policy Recommendations for a Resilient Canadian Food System

To secure Canada’s food future, policymakers must take decisive action, including:

• Including leafy greens (HS Code: 0705) in counter-tariff measures to protect Canadian farmers from external price volatility.

• Investing in low-carbon, low-water, and climate-resilient urban agriculture to bolster local food production.

• Supporting innovations in food recovery and waste reduction to maximize the efficiency of Canada’s food system.

By prioritizing sustainable, locally driven food systems, Canada can reduce its reliance on external markets while fostering economic and environmental resilience. The time to act is now—strengthening domestic agriculture is not just an economic opportunity, but a necessity for national security and sustainability.

For more information on how you can support these initiatives, contact Quantotech Solutions Ltd. and Northern Greens at quantotechltd.com and northern-greens.ca