The Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA) is urging Alberta's provincial and federal leaders to take immediate action to safeguard Alberta's agricultural sector in light of the potential imposition of punitive tariffs by the U.S. The AFA, representing over 35,000 Alberta agricultural producers, is calling for enhanced financial support, market diversification, and inter-provincial collaboration to ensure the resilience and growth of Alberta's agriculture industry.
Agriculture is a cornerstone of both Alberta's and Canada's economy. In 2021, total agricultural revenues in Canada amounted to approximately CAD 67.9 billion in direct revenues, with an additional $110 billion CDN generated through indirect contributions. Alberta alone accounted for 30% of the nation's total agricultural revenues, translating to approximately $20 billion CDN in agricultural-related GDP. When combined with other Western provinces, Alberta contributes 62% of Canada's total agricultural revenue, underscoring the sector's crucial role in the economic fabric of both the province and the nation.
"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," said Aaron Stein, Executive Director of the Alberta Federation of Agriculture. "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. These programs must be tailored to address the specific challenges posed by trade-related tariff threats.
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