By Alice McFarlane

Enhanced support for agriculture amid U.S. tariff threat

Feb 21, 2025 | 4:10 PM

The Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) urged the provincial and federal leaders to take immediate action to safeguard Alberta’s agricultural sector in light of the potential imposition of tariffs by the U.S.

The AFA is calling for enhanced financial support, market diversification, and inter-provincial collaboration.

AFA Executive Director Aaron Stein said the agricultural sector in Alberta is an economic powerhouse that sustains thousands of families and communities.

“With the potential for punitive tariffs from the U.S., it is imperative that we take immediate action to ensure the survival and growth of our agricultural producers,” Stein said. “We must act now to protect this vital sector and ensure that Alberta’s farmers and ranchers continue to be a driving force in the provincial and national economy.”

The AFA is calling for the expansion of financial support programs such as AgriStability and the Agricultural Disaster Response and Relief Program (ADRRP), which help agricultural producers manage income fluctuations caused by unforeseen disruptions, such as trade disputes.

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The Federation emphasized the importance of reducing barriers to interprovincial trade to ensure a seamless flow of agricultural goods within Canada and called for discussions on both a Federal and Provincial level to remove of some of those barriers.

While Alberta’s farmers and ranchers already face external trade pressures, internal trade barriers – such as discrepancies in regulations, permits, and licensing practices between provinces – continue to limit efficiency and increase costs.

Alberta’s agricultural producers are often hindered by inconsistent standards, especially when it comes to food processing, meatpacking, and other regulatory requirements that differ across provincial borders.

For example, a provincially licensed meatpacking facility in Alberta may be unable to ship its products to neighboring provinces due to varying standards and practices. The AFA called on both the provincial and federal governments to take action to harmonize these regulations and standardize permitting processes, allowing for smoother and more cost-effective trade across provincial lines.

Stein said AFA urged both provincial and federal governments to invest in agricultural infrastructure and technological innovation to improve resilience in the face of climate change and shifting global markets.

“As we face unprecedented challenges, it’s essential that we prioritize the interests of Alberta’s agricultural community and ensure our leaders are being proactive in their response,” Stein said. “By working together to reduce internal trade barriers, increase market opportunities, and invest in the future of agriculture, we can ensure that Alberta’s agricultural sector remains a leader in global markets.”

Alberta alone accounted for 30 per cent of the nation’s total agricultural revenues, translating to approximately $20 billion in agricultural-related GDP. When combined with other Western provinces, Alberta contributes 62 per cent of Canada’s total agricultural revenue.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW