Debt forces re-evaluation of planned purchases

Sep 22, 2023

It was nice while it lasted, but farmers are facing the financial hangover of an era of cheap credit. With thousands needing to roll over large amounts of debt, critical decisions will be forced on farmers.

“As those loans (from the low interest rate years) are maturing, more and more and more operations face the decisions of what to do,” said J.P. Gervais, Farm Credit Canada’s chief economist.

For years, the price of land and equipment has steadily increased but with historically low interest rates available for more than a decade, farmers could finance major purchases with manageable interest costs.

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.