Tariffs threaten Indigenous farmers says National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Published: March 5, 2025

Photo: Getty Images

U.S. tariffs pose a danger to Indigenous farmers and the economy sovereignty and food security of Indigenous communities, says the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF).

Such trade barriers “threaten Indigenous agriculture, agri-food businesses, and the broader principles of fair and equitable trade,” NCIAF said in a news release today.

NCIAF represents Indigenous agriculture producers and advocates for Indigenous perspectives and participation in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector and in key policy discussions.

Read Also

Tariffs threaten Indigenous farmers says National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

Agi3’s AI-powered individualized farm insurance products win innovation prize

Agi3’s AI-powered individualized farm insurance products won the business solutions prize in the Innovations Program Awards prior to the Agriculture in Motion farm show in Langham, Saskatchewan.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, and added an additional 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. Canada retaliated with counter-tariffs on some $30 billion of American goods.

NCIAF said it will continue to support Indigenous people in agriculture and their food systems. It encouraged Indigenous agribusinesses to continue connecting with each other, sharing concerns with NCIAF, and accessing NCIAF’s resources.

Indigenous peoples have played a critical role in trade and economics throughout North American history, NCIAF said. Without them and their knowledge of food systems, plant growth, and weather patterns, the first settlers wouldn’t have survived.

“Together, we will continue to strengthen our food sovereignty and economic resilience,” NCIAF said.

About the author

Janelle Rudolph

Author

Janelle Rudolph graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelor of Communication and Digital Journalism. She grew up near Rosthern, Sask. on a small cattle farm and has always loved the beauty of the Prairies.

explore

Stories from our other publications