The Department of Agriculture was established in 1867, the year of Confederation, by an act of Parliament. The formation of the Experimental Farms System followed in 1886 and a Dairy Commissioner was appointed in 1890.

Today, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is an economic and science-based department that works to ensure Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector is able to compete in international and domestic markets to derive economic returns to the sector and the Canadian economy as a whole. Through its work, the department strives to help the sector maximize its long-term profitability and competitiveness.

The activities of the Department extend from farmer to consumer, through all phases of production, processing and marketing of agriculture and agri-food products. The Department also assists farmers through crop insurance, margin stabilization and agricultural adjustment programs to alleviate losses caused by the weather, changing markets and other hazards.