Good afternoon, Mr. Chair. Thank you for the invitation to be here today.
As mentioned, my name is Steve Webb. I'm the CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan. We also refer to ourselves as GIFS. GIFS works with partners to discover, develop and deliver innovative solutions for the production of globally sustainable food.
Mr. Chair, insecurity and the lack of food security are very closely linked. Food security equals global security, and food insecurity is global insecurity. In fact, Dr. Norman Borlaug said, “You can't build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery.”
Russia's invasion of Ukraine underscores this statement. Today I would like to touch on its implications for food security and how Canada can respond effectively.
A first implication is access to food. The global food system had barely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic when this conflict followed, further threatening its sustainability. The war in Ukraine has impacted about 30% of global wheat and fertilizer production, placing added pressures on the food industry's ability to feed a large and growing population with even fewer resources. There are now over eight billion people in the world. Add to this the challenge of feeding this population with limited resources, and it's clear that we cannot afford threats to food or fertilizer accessibility and affordability.
Another implication is that we're witnessing a multi-dimensional problem, not just with food and energy but also with a realignment of relationships at the international level. The conflict is resulting in workarounds to access food, and not necessarily sustainably. These realignments create challenges for Canada's response to feeding the world sustainably.
Yet another implication of this conflict is pressure on supply, distribution and global trade. Food prices have skyrocketed across the world, and distribution, imports and exports have been impacted. An example is the Black Sea grain initiative and the uncertainties it has resulted in, as well as the impact of these uncertainties on the trade and distribution of food.
Global access to safe and nutritious food, which speaks to GIFS' bold vision, is threatened. We must do everything we can to bounce back from these challenges and help reinstate a food-secure world.
In view of these implications, here are some ways GIFS sees Canada responding effectively.
Not only is Canada one of the world's largest producers and exporters of food, but we also do so in a manner that is economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. We need all these tools in the tool box to meet the rising demand caused by various challenges, including Russia's war in Ukraine. This means we must embrace safe and trusted innovation. Our innovative, sustainable farming practices have already made Canada a success and given us some enviable data points. A recent study commissioned by the Global Institute for Food Security shows that sustainable practices in Canada have delivered a net carbon footprint for non-durum wheat over 120% lower than that of competitive jurisdictions. Innovation has made the difference, and it has helped make us one of the most secure and sustainable food producers in the world. We should keep it that way.
The next recommendation is to drive major capital investment in infrastructure such as telecommunications, rural connectivity, ports and rail systems. Investment in our infrastructure ensures Canada remains competitive and regains its reputation as a reliable food supplier.
Mr. Chair, our next recommendation is the creation of a transparent, predictable, interactive and enabling regulatory framework. All other recommendations hinge on this success. Our agriculture and food sectors are impacted by regulatory bottlenecks that limit producer and consumer access to the latest proven innovations. The recent private member's bill by MP Kody Blois is an example of a pragmatic approach to ensure Canadian farmers and producers have access to the latest innovations in order to remain globally competitive.
For example, for the agriculture and food sectors, regulations need agricultural, health and environmental approval through the jurisdictions. A highly functional regulatory framework is a competitive advantage for Canada, one that builds trust not only here at home but also globally. Let's build this.
Thank you, Mr. Chair, for this opportunity. I hope you found these comments useful and I look forward to further discussion.