National farm organization raises concerns about fallout from Canada-U.S. relations

Aug 25, 2026 | 2:44 PM

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) expressed deep concern over the breakdown in Canada-U.S. trade negotiations.

CFA President Keith Currie said there could be a significant impact on Canadian farmers and the highly integrated North American agriculture and food system.

He said Canada and the U.S. share one of the most important agricultural trading relationships in the world and as trade measures escalate, farmers, processors, and consumers on both sides of the border face growing uncertainty and risks to supply chains built over decades of cross-border cooperation.

“For generations, Canadian and American farmers and agri-businesses have worked as partners, supplying food, feed, fertilizer, equipment, and other essential inputs that support a strong North American food system,” Currie said.

“The breakdown in negotiations and escalation of new tariffs create uncertainty at a time when farmers are already facing significant challenges, including rising input costs, market volatility, and increasingly unpredictable weather.”

Harvest

Harvest moving slowly in Sask. as farmers hope for warmer weather

Aug 20, 2026

'Lots of unknowns'

Sask. businesses brace for U.S. tariffs as Wednesday deadline approaches

Aug 18, 2026

Fraud charges

Man from RM of Martin charged after allegedly altering cattle brands

Aug 12, 2026

Currie said CFA is concerned that escalating tariffs will disrupt established supply chains, increase costs, reduce food affordability and undermine the competitiveness of farmers and agriculture businesses on both sides of the border.

He said producers in both countries depend on efficient cross-border trade to compete in global markets, and any disruption to that relationship risks harming businesses, workers, and consumers throughout North America.

“The breakdown in negotiations creates uncertainty for farmers at a time when stability in our trading relationship is critically important. Farmers and consumers stand to lose when trade becomes more difficult, more expensive and more unpredictable. Canadian farmers need stability so they can make the investments and business decisions necessary to remain competitive,” he said.

CFA urged Canada and the U.S. to return to the negotiating table and work toward a swift resolution that protects the competitiveness of the highly integrated North American agricultural sector while minimizing unintended consequences for farmers, agricultural supply chains and food affordability.

—

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Alice McFarlane

View Comments

National farm organization raises concerns about fallout from Canada-U.S. relations

What's Trending