Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is the federal department responsible for policies and programs supporting Canada's agriculture and food industry. AAFC's work includes agricultural research and innovation, programs to help farmers manage risks (like crop insurance and income stabilization), food safety regulations, international trade promotion, and environmental sustainability initiatives. The department works closely with provincial agriculture ministries because farming is a shared jurisdiction. AAFC administers billions of dollars in programs affecting everything from dairy farm quotas to grain transportation to organic certification. Understanding AAFC helps explain how federal agricultural policy affects food prices, rural economies, and Canada's position as a major food exporter.