Sylvain Charlebois

Sylvain Charlebois, Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and an expert in agriculture policy, breaks down the complexities of Canada's supply management system. He explains how this decades-old policy regulates dairy production, influencing trade tensions with the U.S. and drawing criticism from Trump. The discussion highlights the challenges of pricing transparency, the evolution of dairy quotas, and the impact of tariffs. Charlebois also addresses the implications for Canadian farmers as they navigate these intricate regulations.

Sylvain Charlebois, a noted food systems expert, and Greg Hawkwood, an Alberta rancher, dive into the reasons behind skyrocketing beef prices in Canada. Hawkwood shares the challenges posed by drought, leading to tough decisions about herd sizes. Charlebois elaborates on how combined factors like herd liquidation and slow recovery in cattle cycles contribute to price spikes. The discussion also touches on consumer behavior, the impact of beef on grocery inflation, and predictions for the future of beef prices, which may remain high until mid-2027.

Sylvain Charlebois, a leading food price expert and professor at Dalhousie University, shares insights on the future of grocery costs. He reveals that families are projected to spend an additional $1,000 next year, primarily due to rising meat prices linked to climate change and industry consolidation. Charlebois discusses how Canadians are adapting their shopping habits, visiting more stores and embracing discount retailers. He also examines the potential impact of new codes of conduct on stabilizing inflation in food prices.

Sylvain Charlebois, Director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, dives into the controversial topic of cloned meat and food labeling. He discusses how cloned animals are created and why their offspring are being sold without clear labeling. Charlebois raises concerns over Health Canada's recent regulation changes, emphasizing the need for transparency to support consumer choice. He highlights the importance of accurate food labels, the potential ethical issues surrounding cloned meat, and the implications for public trust and market exports.

Sylvain Charlebois, the lead author of the 2025 Canadian Food Price Report and head of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, discusses the troubling rise in grocery costs expected for Canadian families. He reveals that food expenses could increase by $800 in 2025, driven by factors like meat prices and currency fluctuations. Charlebois also highlights the shift towards seafood and a potential decrease in dairy costs. The conversation unpacks the emotional toll on consumers and the impacts of climate change and government policies on food pricing.