Unlocking Canada’s $25 billion opportunity through value-added agriculture

Canada has long been recognized as a food-producing nation. Today, we stand on the threshold of something more: becoming a global leader in sustainable, high-value plant-based ingredients. With our abundant agricultural resources, innovative farmers, world-class research institutions, and entrepreneurial spirit, Canada has all the elements needed to lead the next chapter in global food system transformation.

This is The Road to $25 Billion: a bold vision for a stronger, more sustainable, and globally competitive agri-food economy. A future where Canadian crops are transformed into high-value ingredients, innovation is commercialized more quickly, and Canada becomes the partner of choice in global food systems. By realizing this vision, we will grow the economy, create meaningful employment, build resilient supply chains, and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable Canada.

Across the country, researchers, farmers, processors, and manufacturers are building the foundation of a $25 billion opportunity in value-added agriculture. Together, they are scaling ingredient processing, expanding domestic and international markets, and advancing the commercialization of homegrown innovation—all while strengthening rural communities and creating good jobs.

This is more than an agricultural opportunity; it is a direct pathway to advancing the Government of Canada’s priorities. Value-added agriculture is a proven driver of economic growth, clean innovation, rural revitalization, and inclusive job creation, priorities central to building a stronger, more competitive, and future-ready economy. It supports national objectives in climate resilience, food security, and global trade, while creating high-quality jobs and new markets for Canadian products. This is how we build a more prosperous and sustainable future.

At Protein Industries Canada, we’re proud to help lead this transformation. Through strategic co-investments, ecosystem development, and global partnerships, we’re unlocking the full potential of the sector. We connect technology to trade, research to regulation, and capital to collaboration—ensuring Canadian innovation reaches the world stage.

But leadership doesn’t happen by chance. It requires coordination, vision, and momentum. With continued collaboration between industry and government, we can build an agri-food economy that is more ambitious, more inclusive, and more impactful than ever before.

Canada has what it takes to lead. The time to step up is now.