After years of discussion about the idea, the federal government has launched consultations on creating a national food policy.

“Developing this food policy is an exciting opportunity for Canadians to have their say about how government can help address those opportunities and challenges that exist in our food system,” said Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, announcing the consultations during a speech at the Canadian Association for Food Studies meeting at Ryerson University in Toronto on Monday.

Canadians are encouraged to share their input as part of an online survey, found here.

The survey questions and the consultations revolve around four broad themes:

increasing access to affordable food;

improving health and food safety;

conserving our soil, water, and air; and

growing more high-quality food.

There will also be a summit held in Ottawa June 22 and 23rd where stakeholders, experts and policy-makers will be invited to share their views on developing a national food policy.

Developing a national food policy is one of the tasks Prime Minister Trudeau gave MacAulay in his ministerial mandate letter.

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