When we think about national security, we picture tanks, soldiers, and secret agents—not carrots and potatoes. But maybe we should.
Food security is as critical as military strength, and Canada’s ability to feed itself should be a top priority. The more food we produce at home, the less we rely on other countries—especially given the ever-present risk of trade tariffs and political instability. We simply can’t afford to have our food supply at the mercy of unpredictable global markets.
Right now, Canada imports fruit and vegetables from 149 different countries. The United States is our biggest supplier. They provide about 67% of our vegetable imports and 36% of our fruit imports. In total, roughly 75% of our fruit comes from outside our borders. That’s a staggering level of dependency—especially when we have the potential to grow much of our own produce and fruit.
Even after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of our food supply chains, Canada’s fresh produce production continued to decline while imports kept rising. If that doesn’t sound the alarm for change, what will?
Taking a Cue from Sweden
Sweden doesn’t play around with food sovereignty—it’s a core national defence strategy.
As the Swedish government puts it: “A well-functioning and robust food supply and personal preparedness of the civil population are ultimately a matter of survival and maintaining the will to defend.” In other words, having access to food isn’t just about convenience but resilience and security.
Sweden takes a two-pronged approach: ensuring that individuals and households have enough in their pantries while also strengthening the country’s entire food system—from production to processing to distribution. A big part of that strategy is growing a diverse range of crops and prioritizing local food networks to keep supply chains strong and sustainable.
It’s a model worth paying attention to—especially for countries like Canada, where food security isn’t always treated as a top priority.
So what’s Canada doing?
In Canada, our food system is still largely dominated by big agribusiness and monoculture farming—often controlled by massive multinational corporations that prioritize profits over Canadian food sovereignty.
But a federal initiative aims to change that. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5 billion, five-year program launched on April 1, 2023. This joint effort that will see the federal government working with provinces and territories, is designed to strengthen Canada’s domestic agricultural sector and ensure we remain a global leader in sustainable food production.
At a time when food costs are rising, and global food security is an increasing concern, Sustainable CAP is all about bolstering domestic production. The goal is to reduce our reliance on imported food and build a more resilient, self-sustaining food system right here at home.
Of course, large-scale programs like this take time to fully start working. In the meantime, some of the most immediate and impactful changes often start at the community level, where local initiatives and grassroots efforts can make a real difference.
At Home, On the Ground
Locally, more and more people in Alberta are taking growing food into their own hands, not only directly with backyard gardens and greenhouses but also with small acreage family farms growing a diversity of food for distribution locally through networks like farmers’ markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
CSA is a system in which consumers purchase shares in a farm, providing financial support in advance for the growing season. In return, they receive regular deliveries of fresh produce, eggs, meat, or other farm products.
Joining a CSA program is a great way to enjoy fresh, local produce while supporting the community. Members receive regular seasonal fruits and vegetables, picked at peak ripeness for maximum flavour and nutrition. Since the food travels shorter distances, it stays fresher longer, making meals more delicious and wholesome. CSAs also offer a unique opportunity to connect with local farmers, learn about where food comes from, and even explore new ingredients that might not be found in grocery stores. Plus, with minimal packaging and a commitment to using what’s provided each week, CSAs help reduce food and plastic waste, promoting a more sustainable way of eating.
For farmers, CSAs provide financial stability by securing income before the growing season begins, allowing them to plan and invest confidently. Instead of spending time and money on marketing or dealing with unpredictable wholesale prices, farmers can focus on growing a diverse range of crops, including heirloom varieties. The direct relationship with consumers fosters a strong sense of community and trust, giving farmers the satisfaction of knowing exactly who is enjoying their hard work. Ultimately, CSAs create a win-win situation—farmers gain a reliable customer base, and consumers get fresh, high-quality food while strengthening their connection to local agriculture.
Food Defence
Canada’s agricultural policies—like the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership—need to do more than just help farmers grow more products for export markets. It’s time to invest in the infrastructure and partnerships that strengthen our domestic food system, supporting Canadian farmers, ranchers, fisheries, and food producers right here at home. Sweden has done it; why can’t Canada?
But national policy alone won’t safeguard our food sovereignty. We, as consumers, have power too. Every time we choose to buy directly from local farmers—whether at a farmers’ market or through a CSA —we’re not just getting fresher, healthier food. We’re also standing for Canada’s independence in the face of growing threats of annexation by the U.S.
Who needs tanks and guns when we have homegrown carrots? Let’s protect Canadian sovereignty, one veggie bite at a time!
Buy local, buy Canadian.
