Explore The Food System
The Canadian Food System
Discover how Canada’s food system connects the people, businesses, and organizations involved in growing, making, moving, selling, serving, and recovering food across the country.
Why Our System
How Canada’s Food System Connects
Canada’s Food System is a connected network of people, businesses, and technologies working together to grow, process, transport and deliver safe, high-quality food. Every stage plays an important role in supporting Canadian communities, driving our economy, ensuring a reliable food supply, and helping feed people around the world.
Whether you’re curious about where your food comes from, how it reaches grocery store shelves, or the people who make it possible, explore each stage of Canada’s food system below.
“I never thought about the different roles in the food system. Thank you to these hard working people!”
– Shabnam Y. NS
8
Interconnected Stages
From inputs and production to waste and recovery
2.3M+
Canadians Employed
Across the food value chain
$143B
Annual Economic Impact
Food system GDP contribution
The Ecosystem
Explore Canada's Food System
Whether you're curious about where your food comes from, how it reaches grocery store shelves or the people who make it possible, explore each stage of Canada's food system below.
Inputs and Production
Explore the people, organizations, inputs, and technologies that support Canadian food production — from agricultural suppliers and advisors to farmers, ranchers, and growers.
Processing and Manufacturing
Discover how raw agricultural products are transformed into the food Canadians enjoy through processing, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
Testing, Inspection and Assurance
Testing, inspections, regulatory oversight, and ongoing programs ensure our food meets Canada’s rigorous food safety standards.
Distribution and Transportation
Follow food as it moves through Canada’s food supply chain from farms and processing facilities to retailers and communities.
Retail and Food Service
Find out how grocery stores, restaurants, and other food service businesses connect Canadians with a wide variety of foods from Canada and around the world.
Use, Preparation & Consumption
Learn practical food facts that help Canadians store, prepare, and enjoy food with confidence while reducing waste.
Trade (Import/Export)
Understand how food imports and exports strengthen Canada’s food system and connect Canadian agriculture to global markets.
Waste and Recovery
Discover how reducing food waste and recovering valuable resources support sustainable food production across Canada.
Every Stage Matters
No single part of Canada’s Food System works alone. Producers, processors, manufacturers, transportation companies, retailers, food service businesses, researchers, regulators, and consumers all play a role in delivering safe, nutritious, and affordable food every day. Together, these interconnected stages form a resilient Canadian food system that supports communities across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada’s Food System is the network of people, businesses, and organizations that grow, raise, catch, make, move, sell, and serve food. It includes every stage from agricultural and aquaculture inputs and primary production to processing, inspection, transportation, retail, food service, and food recovery.
Get Involved
Be Part of the Conversation
Learn more about Canada's Food System, share what you've discovered and join thousands of Canadians supporting the people behind our food.
