Ottawa, ON, August 18, 2026 – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), representing more than 190,000 family farms across Canada, is calling all negotiators and government leaders to firmly defend the interests of Canadian farmers and Canada’s food security in anticipation of the new U.S. tariffs and other trade measures potentially taking effect on Wednesday August 19th.
Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector is a strategic national asset that supports food security, economic growth and the vitality of rural communities across the country. As governments work toward a resolution, it is essential that Canada’s agricultural interests are protected and our ability to produce food and agriculture products remains a central consideration.
“For generations, Canadian and American farmers have worked as partners, supplying food, feed, fertilizer, equipment, and other essential inputs that support a strong North American food system,” said Keith Currie, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. “The threat of new tariffs and other trade measures creates uncertainty at a time when farmers on both sides of the border are already facing significant challenges, including rising input costs, market volatility, and increasingly unpredictable weather.”
The CFA is concerned that these tariffs will increase costs throughout the agriculture value chain, reducing food affordability and competitiveness for all North American consumers, while undermining Canadian food security and threatening Canadian jobs. The success of the North American economy depends heavily on predictability and stability in regional trade. Any outcomes that erode existing provisions or result in adverse impacts on the agricultural sector should be avoided.
“Layering on new tariffs or other punitive measures is not a solution. Farmers and consumers on both sides of the border stand to lose when trade becomes more difficult and more expensive,” added Currie.
The CFA is actively engaging with federal officials and industry stakeholders and urges all parties to pursue a timely resolution while ensuring that Canada’s agricultural interests, food security objectives and long-term resiliency remain full protected.