The role of any food system is to serve the end consumer. In the past, farmers, food processors, and retailers responded to the demand of consumers. Supply follows demand. For the most part Canada has kept a very scientific based approach to policy making when it comes to food and how food is grown. However, there is concern with a bit of a deviation of these policies when one considers what has and is happening in the European Union. They have experienced a trend in policy-making that seeks to interfere in both the demand, and even more directly, in the supply side of the equation. The question that comes up then, is will food policy sway away from science? With us today is Bill Wirtz from the Consumer Choice Centre to discuss how policy changes affect food choices.

Host
Clinton Monchuk grew up on a mixed dairy, beef and grain family farm outside of Lanigan, Saskatchewan. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture majoring in Agricultural Economics from the University of Saskatchewan and Masters of Business Administration in Agriculture from the University of Guelph. Clinton has enjoyed numerous roles across Canada, the United States and Mexico as a researcher, educator, manager, economist and director of trade policy.
In 2016, Clinton accepted the role of Executive Director with Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan to promote farming and ranching to consumers. Clinton understands the value of increasing public trust in agriculture and actively promotes engagement between the agriculture industry and consumers.
Clinton, Laura and their children Jackson and Katelyn, are active partners on their family grain and layer farm in Saskatchewan and cattle ranch in Oklahoma.

Guest
Bill Wirtz is the Senior Policy Analyst at the Consumer Choice Center. He covers agriculture and trade policy in Europe and North America.

Resources
Consumer Choice Center
Canadian Food Focus

Episode Credits: Research and writing by Dorothy Long and Penny Eaton, Produced and edited by Angela Larson and Michael Jordon, Music by Andy Ellison-Track title: Gravel Road

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