Message from the President and CEO
President and Chief Executive Officer
One year into our new corporate strategy, FCC continues to build momentum in its implementation across our business. The agriculture and agri-food industry is at the forefront of a generational opportunity to help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. At the same time, the industry faces evolving challenges – economic pressures, trade disruptions, climate risks and shifting consumer demands. We remain focused on supporting the industry’s resilience and long-term success.
Our commitment to serving agricultural producers, food processors and agribusinesses has never been stronger. Portfolio growth continues to exceed expectations, reflecting confidence in our ability to provide financial stability and investment opportunities. Process improvements, such as automation in credit assessment, allow our employees to better serve their customers. At the same time, FCC is expanding our capital solutions, helping businesses scale their operations, find new opportunities and invest in productivity.
FCC’s presence in the agribusiness and agri-food sectors continues to grow. Over the past year, more than 566 new agribusiness and agri-food customers have chosen to work with FCC, reflecting increased demand for capital solutions and advisory services tailored to food processors, suppliers and other businesses across the agriculture and agri-food value chain. Across Canada, farm operations, food manufacturers and agribusinesses spent 2024-25 navigating significant weather events, higher interest rates and trade disruptions while continuing to manage their operations successfully, demonstrating incredible resilience.
FCC launched our direct investment program this year, expanding our capital solution options to increase support for Canadian agriculture and agri-food businesses fostering innovation across the industry – innovation that drives down costs, increases production and creates more value for companies. These investments ensure that the next generation of farmers, processors and agribusiness leaders can continue to strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader.
A key part of FCC’s support for productivity and innovation is our AgExpert software. This year, AgExpert surpassed 25,000 users and now supports the management of over 6.39 million acres of farmland. The new AgExpert Sustainability Model is now in use, helping producers track carbon sequestration and emissions – an important step toward data-driven decision-making. This year, FCC filed its first-ever patent application for the software, reinforcing our role in advancing innovation in Canadian agriculture and agri-food.
Meanwhile, the Innovation Farms initiative, which trials and demonstrates new agricultural technologies that drive efficiency and environmental stewardship, is expanding, with four innovation farm partners, including six farming operations in four provinces totalling 13,000 acres. Participation in FCC’s sustainability incentive programs increased by 27%, with new collaborations including PepsiCo Canada and Starbucks Canada. Additionally, we invested $8.75 million in research and plant breeding innovations, supporting innovation and long-term sustainability in Canada’s agri-food sector.
FCC’s commitment to agriculture and agrifood goes beyond capital solutions and innovation – it extends to strengthening food security and supporting rural communities. This year, the industry united through Drive Away Hunger to achieve incredible results, donating 514 million meals to food security agencies in communities across Canada. FCC also expanded food security efforts by offering $200K to school food programs and new food rescue partnerships.
Supporting Indigenous agriculture and agri-food remains a priority. FCC is in the second year of our $1M-per-year pledge to the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food, ensuring Indigenous producers have access to the resources, knowledge sharing and support they need to grow their businesses.
This year, FCC continued making progress on our corporate strategy, which will strengthen industry resilience, advance innovation and expand capital solutions. As we move forward, a bold, long-term vision will shape how we support customers and contribute to the future of Canadian agriculture and agri-food. Customer-focused growth, innovative solutions and strong industry collaboration will remain at the core of our approach.
I cannot close off this letter on our past year without speaking to the ongoing trade disruptions facing Canadian agriculture and agri-food producers – disruptions that will likely be with us into the next year. We know that tariffs threaten the profitability of our industry, our customers and our communities. We stand ready to support this industry through thick and thin and have put in place a trade disruption support program to help the industry weather the storm. This situation will continue to evolve throughout the next fiscal year, and our response will evolve along with it – making sure we’re providing the right support at the right time.
I want to express my appreciation to our employees, customers and industry partners for their continued commitment to the success of Canadian agriculture and agri-food. The strength of this industry lies in its ability to adapt, and as we move forward, we know that success will take all of us working together.
By taking a Team Canada approach, we can keep Canadian agriculture and agrifood competitive, resilient and ready to meet the challenges ahead. FCC remains committed to standing with those who produce, process and supply food to Canadians and the world.
Sincerely,
Justine Hendricks
President and CEO
Farm Credit Canada