Regulatory reform report suggests changes to improve agriculture in Sask.

A report outlined 26 recommendations to Ottawa aimed at improving Saskatchewan agriculture and agrifood sectors.

A report with 26 recommendations on how to improve the agricultural and agri-food sector in Saskatchewan has been given to the Canadian Federal Government.

Unleashing the Potential of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Through Regulatory Reform was created by the Standing Committee on Agriculture & Agri-food.

The report suggests making mandate changes to address a number of factors impacting the industries, including pest management, plastic use, drone usage, inspection sites, the worker permit process, along with many more.

Pierre Petelle is the President & CEO of CropLife Canada. He said regulatory processes take time to create and change, as it has become burdensome due to timelines and a now lowered predictably.

“The recommendations focused on that these regulators look at things differently, that they are open to new ideas. Having a different lens when they look at things,” he said.

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In September of 2025, the Standing Committee adopted a motion to undertake a study on the government’s regulatory reform initiative of these sectors. Identifying where costs could be saved was a focus.

The report was released in December of 2025. Petelle said the response showed a disconnect between higher management and the departments doing the work.

“The response was a bit of a pushback as opposed to an openness to change. There is a disconnect in our view,” he said.

Forty-seven witnesses, including agriculture and agri-food stakeholders, federal officials, and policy matter experts were all heard by the committee during the report creation.

The report concluded that a number of regulatory burdens have remained in place for years and the full economic potential of the sectors remains unmet.

It goes on to say these regulatory reforms are a no-cost initiative and are within the federal government’s scope.

The full report can be read here.