Supplementary information tables: 2024 to 2025 Departmental Results Report

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Animal Health Compliance Promotion

Program goals: The program informs, motivates, and encourages industry and public compliance with the CFIA's animal health and welfare protection regulations and policies by delivering accessible, plain language and user-centric tools, products, services and guidance.

Target population: Specific industries or sectors of the economy such as the oil and auto industry. This includes veterinarians, farmers, and businesses involved in the production, import and export of animal products.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Veterinarians, farm operators, and the Canadian animal product industry are the targeted beneficiaries. Men between 35 to 64 years of age make up majority of farm operators. As of 2022, there are approximately 15,322 practicing veterinarians in Canada, 62% women, 37% men, and 1% undisclosed or unknown gender identity. However, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access, participation, or potential negative impacts. This program aligns with the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had 189,874 farms. Of these, 10% were operated solely by women, 32% by both women and men, and 58% solely by men. Young farmers under 35 made up 8.6% of all farm operators, while the majority (64.8%) were aged 35 to 64, and 26.6% were 65 or older.

In 2016, 76.7% of visible minority identifying individuals working in agricultural production were employed as general farm workers or labourers. In comparison, only 41% of non-visible minority individuals in the same sector held those roles.

In 2021, gender representation among farm operators varied by sector:

• beef cattle farms: 31% women, 69% men (53,340 operators)
• dairy cattle farms: 27% women, 73% men (16,665 operators)
• hog farms: 29% women, 71% men (4,245 operators)
• poultry and egg farms: 36% women, 64% men (7,575 operators)
• sheep and goat farms: 41% women, 59% men (5,230 operators)
• other animal farms: 41% women, 59% men (23,275 operators)

Supplementary information sources

• Veterinary Demographics (2022)
• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. For example, the Animal Health Compliance Promotion program identified geographic and employment size data for future analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Food Safety and Consumer Protection Compliance Promotion

Program goals: The program informs, motivates, and encourages industry and public compliance with the CFIA's food safety and consumer protection regulations and policies be delivering accessible, plain language and user-centric tools, products, services, and guidance.

Target population: All Canadians, and specific industries or sectors of the economy, food businesses involved in the production, import and export of food products.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Improving the effectiveness of these activities is expected to yield indirect benefits for Canadians who face systemic barriers, including those with lower incomes, youth and seniors, persons with disabilities, individuals experiencing physical or mental health challenges, rural and Indigenous communities, and those affected by food insecurity, by ensuring the safety of the food they rely on. Women are also anticipated to be significantly impacted, as they represent the majority of grocery purchasers. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health, and Well-being: More years in good health and Gender Equality Around the World: Promoting gender equality to build a more peaceful, inclusive, rules-based, and prosperous world pillars of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had 189,874 farms. Of these, 10% were operated solely by women, 32% by both women and men, and 58% solely by men. Young farmers under 35 made up 8.6% of all farm operators, while the majority (64.8%) were aged 35 to 64, and 26.6% were 65 or older.

In 2016, 76.7% of visible minority identifying individuals working in agricultural production were employed as general farm workers or labourers. In comparison, only 41% of non-visible minority individuals in the same sector held those roles.

In 2018, ownership of food and beverage processing business in Canada looked like this: 20% were majority-owned by women, 13% were equally owned by women and men, 43% were majority owned by men, and ownership of the remaining 24% was unknown. In 2016, the age breakdown of employees in food and beverage manufacturing was:13% were under 25 years old (compared to 9.1% in all manufacturing sectors), 63.4% were between 25 to 54, 20.1% were between 55 to 64, and 3.5% were 65 years and older. Also in 2016, 27.9% of employees in food and beverage manufacturing identified as a visible minority compared to 23.4% across all manufacturing sectors, and 20.8% in the overall labour force.

Supplementary information sources

• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Food Safety and Consumer Protection Compliance Promotion program completed the development of its GBA Plus Data Strategy and identified gender or sex, English or French as first language, ethnicity, race, Indigeneity, and age data as available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: International Regulatory Cooperation and Science Collaboration

Program goals: The program directs and coordinates the CFIA's international relations and engagements, promotes regulatory alignment, facilitates technical assistance or advice to trade partners, and ensures that Canada implements international trade measures.

Target population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes

All Canadians are anticipated to benefit from this program, directly or indirectly. Further analysis is needed to determine demographic outcomes, barriers to access or participation, or negative impacts.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan

The CFIA does not collect GBA Plus data for the International Regulatory Cooperation Science Collaboration program, since the program does not seek to have unique impacts for any group. This limits the ability of the program to monitor and report on the GBA Plus impacts. Given the scope of the program, there are no current initiatives to enable future monitoring or reporting on how the program impacts specific groups.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: International Standard Setting

Program goals: The program develops and maintains a predictable and science-based international regulatory framework so Canada can influence international standards and trade that facilitate safe international trade, increase confidence in Canadian food, plant, and animal, and increase market access.

Target population: All Canadians, Canadian agriculture sector, importers, and exporters.

Specific demographic group outcomes

The International Standard Setting program supports Canada's efforts in global fora, trade negotiations and bilateral discussions. Its goal is to protect food safety and the health of plants and animals, while also helping Canadian food, animal, plant, and their products fain access to international markets. By promoting international standards that reflect Canadian interests, the prom helps facilitate trade and improve market access for Canadian agricultural commodities. These standards are developed by international bodies and are intended for government implementation. They are based on the best available science to mitigate risks related to food safety, animal and plant health. The program is designed to benefit all Canadians and the agriculture and agri-food sector, including both importers and exporters. It does not favour or exclude any specific group. This program applies to the Economic Participation and Prosperity: Equal and full participation in the economy pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan

The CFIA does not collect GBA Plus data for the International Standard Setting program, as it does not have unique impacts for any group. As such, it limits the ability of the program to monitor and report on the GBA Plus impacts. Given the scope of the program, there are no current initiatives to enable future monitoring or reporting on program impacts.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Market Access Support

Program goals: The program supports market access, expands existing and creates new trade opportunities for Canadian commodities. It negotiates import conditions of Canadian products with foreign regulators.

Target population: All Canadians, Canadian agriculture sector, and exporters.

Specific demographic group outcomes

The International Market Access Support program maintains market access, expands existing, and creates new trade opportunities for Canadian commodities. The program delivers commodity-specific and market-based activities to expand and maintain international trade of Canadian food, plants and animals, and their associated products. The program does not pose barriers that would weaken gender equity, diversity, or inclusion. All Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector, including exporters, are expected to benefit from efforts to resolve non-trade tariff barriers to international trade. This program applies to the Economic Participation and Prosperity: Equal and full participation in the economy pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts: Not available

GBA Plus data collection plan

The CFIA does not collect GBA Plus data for the International Market Access Support as it does not have unique impacts for any group. As such, it limits the ability of the program to monitor and report on the GBA Plus impacts. Given the scope of the program, there are no current initiatives to enable future monitoring or reporting on program impacts.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Monitoring and Enforcement for Animal Health

Program goals: The program designs and carries our inspection, surveillance, and testing activities to verify that industry complies with regulatory and program requirements for animal health and welfare, aquatic animal health, veterinary biologics, animal feeds, aquatic animal products, and animal products and by-products. The program also carries out enforcement action when the rules are not met.

Target population: All Canadians, individuals in other countries such as trading partners, specific regions such as remote and rural communities, and specific industries or sectors of the economy such as domestic animal farms.

Specific demographic group outcomes

This program affects all Canadians, particularly families involved in meat production or consumption. By strengthening inspections, it helps ensure better enforcement of regulations, leading to improved meat quality and safety. This program is anticipated to be gender balanced and may have a direct impact on rural or remote communities, as well as individuals working as farmers or livestock producers. Notably, men aged 35 to 64 make up the majority of farm operators. As of 2022, there are approximately 15,322 practicing veterinarians in Canada: 62% were women, 37% were men, and 1% being undisclosed or unknown gender identity. However, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access or participation, or negative impacts. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had 189,874 farms. Of these, 10% were operated solely by women, 32% by both women and men, and 58% solely by men. Young farmers under 35 made up 8.6% of all farm operators, while the majority (64.8%) were aged 35 to 64, and 26.6% were 65 or older.

In 2016, 76.7% of visible minority identifying individuals working in agricultural production were employed as general farm workers or labourers. In comparison, only 41% of non-visible minority individuals in the same sector held those roles.

In 2021, gender representation among farm operators varied by sector:

• beef cattle farms: 31% women, 69% men (53,340 operators)
• dairy cattle farms: 27% women, 73% men (16,665 operators)
• hog farms: 29% women, 71% men (4,245 operators)
• poultry and egg farms: 36% women, 64% men (7,575 operators)
• sheep and goat farms: 41% women, 59% men (5,230 operators)
• other animal farms: 41% women, 59% men (23,275 operators)

Supplementary information sources

• Veterinary Demographics (2022)
• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Monitoring and Enforcement for Animal Health program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic or regional data, employment size data, and sector or industry data as available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Monitoring and Enforcement for Food Safety and Consumer Protection

Program goals: The program designs and carries out inspection and surveillance programs to verify, through inspection, surveillance, and laboratory testing, industry's compliance with food safety, labelling, food compositional standards, and other requirements, and takes enforcement action when the requirements rules are not met or takes control and response when risk is present. Engages with industry on program delivery. Monitors and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the food program requirements.

Target population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes

Improving the effectiveness of these activities is anticipated to provide a directly benefit all Canadians, by ensuring the safety of the food they consume. Immunocompromised individuals and those with food allergies may receive additional, indirect benefits, as a strong food monitoring and enforcement system helps reduce risks that disproportionately affect these groups. Without such safeguards, they could face higher exposure to food-related health risks compared to the general population. At this time, no barriers to access or participation, and no negative impacts are anticipated. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had 189,874 farms. Of these, 10% were operated solely by women, 32% by both women and men, and 58% solely by men. Young farmers under 35 made up 8.6% of all farm operators, while the majority (64.8%) were aged 35 to 64, and 26.6% were 65 or older.

In 2016, 76.7% of visible minority identifying individuals working in agricultural production were employed as general farm workers or labourers. In comparison, only 41% of non-visible minority individuals in the same sector held those roles.

In 2018, ownership of food and beverage processing business in Canada looked like this: 20% were majority-owned by women, 13% were equally owned by women and men, 43% were majority owned by men, and ownership of the remaining 24% was unknown. In 2016, the age breakdown of employees in food and beverage manufacturing was:13% were under 25 years old (compared to 9.1% in all manufacturing sectors), 63.4% were between 25 to 54, 20.1% were between 55 to 64, and 3.5% were 65 years and older. Also in 2016, 27.9% of employees in food and beverage manufacturing identified as a visible minority compared to 23.4% across all manufacturing sectors, and 20.8% in the overall labour force.

Supplementary information sources

• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Monitoring and Enforcement for Food Safety and Consumer Protection program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic, sector or industry, gender or sex, English or French as first language, ethnicity, race, Indigeneity, and income level as data available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Monitoring and Enforcement for Plant Health

Program goals: The program designs and carries out inspection, surveillance, and testing activities to verify that industry complies with plant health regulatory and program requirements and carries out enforcement action when the rules are not met.

Target population: All Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, industry, not-for-profit organizations, research bodies, parties delivering programs and services on behalf of the CFIA such as alternate third-party service providers, and third parties doing work on behalf of a regulated stakeholder such as import brokers.

Specific demographic group outcomes

The program monitors and enforces regulatory standards to protect Canada's agriculture, forestry, and natural environment, while also supporting domestic and international trade. The regulations apply to anyone living or conducting business in Canada, including: the public, Indigenous Peoples, industry stakeholders, not-for-profit organizations, research bodies, third-party service providers delivering programs on behalf of the CFIA, and import brokers and other third parties acting on behalf of a regulated stakeholders. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

The program is responsible for inspection, surveillance, and testing activities to verify that industry complies with plant health regulations and program requirements. When non-compliance is identified, the program takes appropriate enforcement action to uphold these standards to protect Canada's agriculture, forestry, and natural environment, while also supporting domestic and international trade.

In 2021, gender representation among farm operations varied by sector:

• grain and oilseed farm: 26% women, 74% men (85,695 operators)
• vegetable and melon farm: 33% women, 66% men (7,360 operators)
• fruit and tree nut farm: 34% women, 66% men (10,230 operators)
• greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture farm: 35% women, 65% men (7,665 operators)
• other or mixed crop farm: 31% women, 69% men (41,190 operators)

Supplementary information sources

• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Monitoring and Enforcement for Plant Health program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic data as available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Permissions for Animal Products

Program goals: The program provides regulatory permission in the form of licenses, permits, and registrations, as well as certificates and other documentation in a timely manner so Canadian businesses and/or residents can operate and/or move a product.

Target population: All Canadians, veterinarians, farmers, and business involved in the import and export of animal products.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Notably, men aged 35 to 64 make up the majority of farm operators. As of 2022, there are approximately 15,322 practicing veterinarians in Canada: 62% were women, 37% were men, and 1% being undisclosed or unknown gender identity. However, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access or participation, or negative impacts. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had 189,874 farms. Of these, 10% were operated solely by women, 32% by both women and men, and 58% solely by men. Young farmers under 35 made up 8.6% of all farm operators, while the majority (64.8%) were aged 35 to 64, and 26.6% were 65 or older.

In 2016, 76.7% of visible minority identifying individuals working in agricultural production were employed as general farm workers or labourers. In comparison, only 41% of non-visible minority individuals in the same sector held those roles.

In 2021, gender representation among farm operators varied by sector:

• beef cattle farms: 31% women, 69% men (53,340 operators)
• dairy cattle farms: 27% women, 73% men (16,665 operators)
• hog farms: 29% women, 71% men (4,245 operators)
• poultry and egg farms: 36% women, 64% men (7,575 operators)
• sheep and goat farms: 41% women, 59% men (5,230 operators)
• other animal farms: 41% women, 59% men (23,275 operators)

Supplementary information sources

• Veterinary Demographics (2022)
• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Permissions for Animal Products program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic data as available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Permissions for Food Products

Program goals: The program processes and issues permissions in the form of licences, permits, and registrations, as well as certificates and other documentation so Canadian businesses and/or residents can operate and/or move products.

Target population: All Canadians, food producers, importers, and exporters.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Food producers, importers, and exporters are anticipated to benefit from this program. However, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access or participation, or negative impacts. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had 189,874 farms. Of these, 10% were operated solely by women, 32% by both women and men, and 58% solely by men. Young farmers under 35 made up 8.6% of all farm operators, while the majority (64.8%) were aged 35 to 64, and 26.6% were 65 or older.

In 2016, 76.7% of visible minority identifying individuals working in agricultural production were employed as general farm workers or labourers. In comparison, only 41% of non-visible minority individuals in the same sector held those roles.

In 2018, ownership of food and beverage processing business in Canada looked like this: 20% were majority-owned by women, 13% were equally owned by women and men, 43% were majority owned by men, and ownership of the remaining 24% was unknown. In 2016, the age breakdown of employees in food and beverage manufacturing was:13% were under 25 years old (compared to 9.1% in all manufacturing sectors), 63.4% were between 25 to 54, 20.1% were between 55 to 64, and 3.5% were 65 years and older. Also in 2016, 27.9% of employees in food and beverage manufacturing identified as a visible minority compared to 23.4% across all manufacturing sectors, and 20.8% in the overall labour force.

Supplementary information sources

• Veterinary Demographics (2022)
• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Permissions for Animal Products program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic data as available for future collection and analysis. The Permissions for Food Products program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic, sector or industry, and English or French as first language, as data available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Permissions for Plant Products

Program goals: The program provides regulatory permission in the form of licenses, permits and registrations, as well as certificates and other documentation in a timely manner, so Canadian businesses and/or residents can operate and/or move products.

Target population: All Canadians, plant health stakeholders, importers, and exporters.

Specific demographic group outcomes

Plant health stakeholders, importers and exporters are expected to benefit from this program. Men make up the majority of plant farm operators, however, further analysis is needed to determine barriers to access or participation, or negative impacts. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

In 2021, gender representation among farm operations varied by sector:

• grain and oilseed farm: 26% women, 74% men (85,695 operators)
• vegetable and melon farm: 33% women, 66% men (7,360 operators)
• fruit and tree nut farm: 34% women, 66% men (10,230 operators)
• greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture farm: 35% women, 65% men (7,665 operators)
• other or mixed crop farm: 31% women, 69% men (41,190 operators)

Supplementary information sources

• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Permissions for Plant Products program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic, sector or industry, and English or French as first language as data available for future collection and analysis. The goal will be to apply a comprehensive and consistent approach across all CFIA programs by 2026. The agency continued to establish a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and monitored and gather relevant qualitative and quantitative data to inform decision making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Plant Health Compliance Promotion

Program goals: The program informs, motivates, and encourages industry and public compliance with the CFIA's plant production and resource protection regulations and policies by delivering accessible, plain language and user-centric tools, products, services, and guidance.

Target population: Plant health regulated parties

Specific demographic group outcomes

Plant health stakeholders are expected to benefit, along with regulated plant businesses, of which the majority are owned by the baby boomer generation of seniors. Men make up most plant farm operators; however, further analysis is needed to determine demographic outcomes, barriers to access/participation, or negative impacts. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

In 2021, gender representation among farm operations varied by sector:

• grain and oilseed farm: 26% women, 74% men (85,695 operators)
• vegetable and melon farm: 33% women, 66% men (7,360 operators)
• fruit and tree nut farm: 34% women, 66% men (10,230 operators)
• greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture farm: 35% women, 65% men (7,665 operators)
• other or mixed crop farm: 31% women, 69% men (41,190 operators)

Supplementary information sources

• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Plant Health Compliance Promotion program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic, sector or industry, and English or French as first language as data available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Setting Rules for Animal Health

Program goals: The program develops and reviews rules documents using input such as current science, risk analysis, international standards, and research and surveillance of animal diseases and other hazards to animals. These, along with stakeholder collaboration, form the basis of the agency's risk based, One Health approach to its program design and content.

Target population: Specific industries or sectors of the economy: animal agriculture and aquatics including feed, vaccines, and animal transportation industries.

Specific demographic group outcomes

This program is anticipated to be gender-neutral and deliver benefits to Indigenous Peoples, rural and remote communities, individuals working in animal agriculture and aquatics, including feed, vaccines, and animal transportation, as well as youth, future generations in Canada, and, to a lesser extent, high-income earning individuals. However, further analysis is needed to determine demographic outcomes, barriers to access/participation, or negative impacts. This program applies to the:

• education and skills development: more diversified educational paths and career choices
• economic participation and prosperity: equal and full participation in the economy
• poverty reduction, health and well-being: reduced poverty and improved health outcomes pillars of the Gender Results Framework

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

Men aged 64 and older make up the majority of farm operators. However, further analysis is needed to determine demographic outcomes, barriers to access/participation, or negative impacts. According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had 189,874 farms. Of these, 10% were operated solely by women, 32% by both women and men, and 58% solely by men. Young farmers under 35 made up 8.6% of all farm operators, while the majority (64.8%) were aged 35 to 64, and 26.6% were 65 or older.

In 2016, 76.7% of visible minority identifying individuals working in agricultural production were employed as general farm workers or labourers. In comparison, only 41% of non-visible minority individuals in the same sector held those roles.

Among the 53,340 beef cattle farm operators in 2021, 31% were women and 69% were men.

Supplementary information sources

• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Setting Rules for Animal Health program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identifies geographic, sector or industry and certification level data as available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Setting Rules for Food Safety and Consumer Protection

Program goals: The program includes developing and maintaining rules such as regulations, guidelines, standards, and policies to reduce risks to food safety and consumer protection in Canada's food supply chain. It is risk-based and aims to protect the health of Canadians, keep them safe from harmful and/or misleading practices, and facilitate domestic and international trade.

Target population: All Canadians

Specific demographic group outcomes

Enhancing the effectiveness of these activities is anticipated to indirectly benefit lower-income individuals, younger and older Canadians, Indigenous Peoples, and those in rural communities or experiencing food insecurity by helping ensure the safety of the food they. No barriers to access or participation nor negative impacts are currently anticipated. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, Canada had 189,874 farms. Of these, 10% were operated solely by women, 32% by both women and men, and 58% solely by men. Young farmers under 35 made up 8.6% of all farm operators, while the majority (64.8%) were aged 35 to 64, and 26.6% were 65 or older.

In 2016, 76.7% of visible minority identifying individuals working in agricultural production were employed as general farm workers or labourers. In comparison, only 41% of non-visible minority individuals in the same sector held those roles.

In 2018, ownership of food and beverage processing business in Canada looked like this: 20% were majority-owned by women, 13% were equally owned by women and men, 43% were majority owned by men, and ownership of the remaining 24% was unknown. In 2016, the age breakdown of employees in food and beverage manufacturing was:13% were under 25 years old (compared to 9.1% in all manufacturing sectors), 63.4% were between 25 to 54, 20.1% were between 55 to 64, and 3.5% were 65 years and older. Also in 2016, 27.9% of employees in food and beverage manufacturing identified as a visible minority compared to 23.4% across all manufacturing sectors, and 20.8% in the overall labour force.

Supplementary information sources

• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Setting Rules for Food Safety and Consumer Protection program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic and sector or industry data as available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.

Core responsibility: Safe food and healthy plants and animals

Program name: Setting Rules for Plant Health

Program goals: The program puts in place rules to protect Canada's plants, plant products and environment. The purpose of these rules are to:

• prevent the entry and spread of plant pests and noxious weeds in Canada
• verify the quality of seeds
• safeguard the safety of plants with novel traits, fertilizers, supplements and other plant products to Canadians and the environment

Target population: All Canadians, anyone living or conducting business in Canada including the public, Indigenous Peoples, industry, not-for-profit organizations, research bodies, third-party service providers delivering programs and services on behalf of the CFIA, or on behalf of a regulated stakeholder such as import brokers.

Specific demographic group outcomes

This program is anticipated to be gender-neutral and benefit individuals working in farming, agriculture, and horticulture. Further analysis is needed to assess demographic outcomes, identify barriers to access or participation, and evaluate any potential negative impacts. This program applies to the Poverty Reduction, Health and Well-being: More years in good health pillar of the Gender Results Framework.

Key program impacts on gender and diversity: Not available

Other key program impacts

In 2021, gender representation among farm operations varied by sector:

• grain and oilseed farm: 26% women, 74% men (85,695 operators)
• vegetable and melon farm: 33% women, 66% men (7,360 operators)
• fruit and tree nut farm: 34% women, 66% men (10,230 operators)
• greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture farm: 35% women, 65% men (7,665 operators)
• other or mixed crop farm: 31% women, 69% men (41,190 operators)

Supplementary information sources

• Canadian Census of Agriculture

GBA Plus data collection plan

In 2024, the CFIA completed year 3 of its 4-year GBA Plus Data Collection Strategy. Each program was tasked with developing and implementing a GBA Plus Data Plan by the end of the year. The Setting Rules for Plant Health program completed its GBA Plus Data Plan and identified geographic data as available for future collection and analysis. The goal is to apply a consistent, agency-wide approach by 2026. The CFIA continues to build a baseline of internal GBA Plus data and collect relevant qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.