Friday, February 9 is Food Freedom Day.

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has calculated that by February 9, 2018 a Canadian household of average income will have earned enough to pay their entire year's grocery bill.

Canadians spent 11% of their disposable income on food in 2017, compared to 10.7% in 2016.

"Farmers are at the heart of the our food system, and they take great pride in growing quality products for people here at home, and all around the world. Food Freedom Day is an opportunity to appreciate all that goes into producing our food - and the connections along the path toward our dinner tables," said Ron Bonnett, CFA President.

CFA noted while the prices consumers pay for food has been steadily increasing over the past 30 years, the amount that returns to the farm gate is relatively small, particularly when the costs of production are taken into account. Canadian farmers continue to adapt to widely varying costs for inputs such as fuel and fertilizer, and to balance their plans against uncertainties in the marketplace.

This year, food freedom day falls one day later than last year's date, reflecting a slight cost increase that can be largely attributed to shifts in consumer trends and impacts due to weather volatility in key production areas.