Domestic Sugar Policy
The DSP's Goals
The goal of the Domestic Sugar Policy (DSP) is to double Canadian sugar beet production—from 8% to 16% of the country’s total sugar consumption. Reaching this target would generate an estimated $248.2 million boost to GDP and create nearly 2,600 jobs in Alberta alone. Currently, sugar beet farmers are restricted by annual production limits, making it difficult for some to earn a sustainable income from sugar beets alone. By increasing those production caps, the DSP would give Canadian farming families more opportunity to grow, thrive, and rely more fully on this vital crop.
The DSP and Sustainability
The Domestic Sugar Policy (DSP) also champions agricultural sustainability by prioritizing Canadian-grown sugar beets—an environmentally smarter choice. Certified at the Silver level by the Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA), Canadian sugar beets are verified as a sustainably produced crop. Compared to cane sugar, they typically require less land and water, and deliver more sucrose per kilogram. By growing and refining sugar domestically, Canada can cut down on emissions from international transport and take a meaningful step toward a greener, more resilient food system.
Do Your Part to Support Local
Canadian sugar beet farmers need your voice to help secure a sustainable future for homegrown sugar. By supporting the Domestic Sugar Policy (DSP), you’re standing with farming families and advocating for a stronger, more resilient Canadian food system. Sign the petition today to help push this policy forward at the federal level. Want to learn more? Reach out for detailed information and reporting on the DSP’s impact.
What is a DSP?
The Domestic Sugar Policy (DSP) is a key initiative that sugar beet advocates are championing at the federal level. This policy aims to regulate the volume of imported sugar—particularly from high-production countries like Brazil and India—and shift the focus toward growing and refining more sugar here at home. By prioritizing Canadian production, the DSP supports local farmers, strengthens food security, and builds a more resilient domestic supply chain.