Glacier FarmMedia—The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is calling for the federal government to take immediate action to help farmers weather a continental trade war.
“Canadian farmers cannot afford prolonged uncertainty,” said CFA president Keith Currie in a statement posted to X.
“It is in everyone’s best interest to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible.”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports, and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian oil, took effect on Tuesday.
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Earlier this week Heath MacDonald, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, Julio Berdegué, met to discuss bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation and trade ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ottawa was retaliating with 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S imports like orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, appliances and other items.
Trudeau said more tariffs will be added if the U.S. doesn’t remove tariffs in 21 days.
The CFA said the U.S. tariffs will have serious negative impacts on farmers, businesses and consumers on both sides of the border.
“Our agricultural industries are deeply integrated—not only as trading partners but also as suppliers of essential inputs like fertilizer,” Currie said. “A trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. benefits no one except our global competitors.”
Strong, diplomatic leadership is needed to resolve the conflict, he added.
