Saskatchewan Farmers Seek Government Action Amid Trade Tensions

Saskatchewan farmers are increasingly vocal about their need for government intervention as trade tensions with both the United States and China intensify.

On March 8, the Chinese government announced a range of tariffs, including 100 percent duties on Canadian canola, rapeseed oil, rapeseed meal, and pea products, as well as a 25 percent tariff on pork and seafood imports. This action is seen as a retaliation to Canada’s imposition of duties on Chinese electric vehicles and steel and aluminum products last October.

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has highlighted the stress and uncertainty these tariffs bring for local farmers, especially with possible additional tariffs from the United States on the horizon.

Bill Prybylski, the president of APAS, expressed deep concern about the cumulative effects of these challenges, stating, “From our perspective, this is just kind of compounding a whole string of events and news that’s been not good news for producers.”

Adding to these concerns, Gunter Jochum, president of the Wheat Growers of Canada, emphasized that these tariffs have significantly impacted farmers, particularly since China is one of their largest markets beside the U.S. He criticized the government for its lack of action, saying, “The government has completely dropped the ball on dealing with this. They’re awfully quiet about it. Nobody is saying anything.”

Prybylski echoed these frustrations, urging swift government action to clarify the situation. “If we (farmers) knew what we were dealing with, we could deal with it. But right now, we just don’t know,” he remarked, stressing that while no single solution exists, it is crucial for governments to tackle these issues urgently.

Jochum further stated that the existing tariffs are detrimental and called for their removal, arguing, “Tariffs are a bad thing. And retaliatory tariffs are even worse because it just escalates a trade war. It’s important for us to do away with tariffs and not get into a trade war that we cannot win.”

The Wheat Growers of Canada has put forth several demands to the federal government, which include:

• Offering financial compensation equivalent to the losses incurred due to tariffs;
• Eliminating interprovincial trade barriers to allow Canadian producers to operate more competitively;
• Investing in critical infrastructure to facilitate efficient agricultural exports;
• Leveraging trade agreements to diversify Canada’s markets;
• Committing to regulatory reforms that promote investment, confidence, and a predictable trade policy.

Additionally, the organization has called for immediate government action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. In response to the challenges faced by producers, APAS is organizing a summit on March 27 in Saskatoon, which aims to address pressing trade issues along with other key concerns in the agriculture sector. Registration is available at no cost for all Saskatchewan farmers.

Prybylski also advised farmers to remain calm and patient as they navigate this turbulent environment, stating, “Just be patient (and) don’t panic.”

Saskatchewan, Farmers, Trade