AGP Executive Report

Canada-U.S. Tariff Deadline: Trade talks are in the home stretch as 50% U.S. tariffs on about $20B in Canadian goods are set to start Wednesday, with negotiators still far apart—key sticking points include dairy and the return of U.S. alcohol to Canadian shelves. Negotiations in Motion: Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met virtually with U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer (their fifth session since the tariff order), while Ottawa also expects PM Mark Carney to speak with Donald Trump before the deadline. Niagara Orchard Impact: After Niagara flooding dumped more than 30 cm of rain, researchers warn peach production could drop and prices rise, with tree losses potentially affecting supply as soon as next year. Farm Safety Update: Nova Scotia RCMP say a faulty extension cord caused a shed fire at a farm where 10,000 chickens died in July; no charges yet. Ag Supply Chain Watch: Rail grain activity is running slightly slower than the prior week, with fewer unloads at key West Coast terminals.

Canada–U.S. Tariff Talks: Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer met virtually to “take stock” ahead of Trump’s Aug. 19 tariff threat, with Canada urging the U.S. to avoid new levies and Greer pressing Canada to lift retaliatory measures—an issue that directly hits farmers and supply-managed sectors. Iran–Canada Tensions: Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson attacked Canada’s role in the U.S.-led war on Iran, calling Ottawa Washington’s “farm team” and pointing to tariffs and wildfire smoke disputes, as Canada continues sanctions tied to alleged Strait of Hormuz activity. Beef Trade Snapshot: Australia’s re-admission of U.S. beef has barely moved volumes—imports since reopening total under 1,000 kg—showing how price and market access still limit cross-border red meat flows. Weather Watch: The Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a warmer, wetter-than-normal fall for Alberta, with October the biggest temperature swing.

Canada–Manitoba Farm Support: Ottawa and Manitoba are enhancing AgriStability for producers hit by June–July flooding, including waiving 2025 late-filing penalties for declared emergency areas and allowing appeals for others who missed the June 30 deadline. Trade Pressure on Agriculture: With U.S. tariff threats tied to Aug. 19, Canada’s LeBlanc is set to meet U.S. Trade Rep. Jamieson Greer as negotiators try to protect farmers and businesses; sources say Ottawa wants relief on new 50% duties and reductions on existing sectoral tariffs. Prairie Farm Tech & Succession: A FieldView piece highlights how precision ag tools are helping aging farm operators manage more acreage and preserve operational knowledge for the next generation. Local Food & Youth Programs: Sudbury’s Flour Mill Community Farm marks its 10th season with an expansion to double growing space, add infrastructure, and grow youth employment and food preservation. Agri-Community in Action: Manitoba Pork is pushing its case at the Iowa State Fair amid tariff uncertainty, meeting industry and political stakeholders face-to-face.

Wildfire Watch (B.C.): A new evacuation alert was issued for parts of the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland, covering Chain Lake, Bankeir, Link Lake, Osprey Lake and Mazama (Electoral Area H), with residents told to be ready to leave on short notice as the fire remains at 20,553 hectares. Trade Talks (U.S.-Canada): A Canadian government source says negotiations with the U.S. are progressing well and Washington also wants a deal before Aug. 19 tariff deadlines, with Dominic LeBlanc meeting USTR Jamieson Greer again this week. Drought Monitoring: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Drought Monitor continues to track dryness across the country using categories from abnormally dry to exceptional drought, helping agriculture plan for impacts. Agri-Food Investment (Nova Scotia): Nova Scotia is putting $1.2M into the Verschuren Centre to boost precision fermentation capacity, support more agriculture-linked companies, and create about 100 skilled jobs. Farm & Food Community: Carrot Fest in Bradford West Gwillimbury draws crowds to connect residents with Holland Marsh growers, highlighting local farming like carrots and onions.

Trade & Tariffs: Canadian officials are pushing back on U.S. tariff threats tied to provincial actions, with B.C. Premier David Eby saying there’s “not a chance in hell” the province will lift its ban on selling American alcohol in government liquor stores, while the U.S. trade representative says Canada must remove retaliatory measures to avoid new duties. Prairie Ag & Biosecurity: Canada’s hog sector is watching African swine fever spread after Finland confirmed cases in wild boar, prompting import suspensions and renewed emphasis on keeping the disease out. Food & Innovation: UBC researchers say a seaweed-based coating could help keep strawberries fresh for days without refrigeration, aiming to cut produce waste. Farmers Facing Weather: Garlic growers near St. Catharines report fields flooded again after multiple major storm events, with some harvesting timed ahead of the rain. Beekeeping & Exports: Alberta honey producers are bracing for a possible 50% U.S. tariff on honey ahead of an Aug. 19 deadline, worried about a major export hit. Agri-Food Investment: Nova Scotia is investing in the Verschuren Centre to boost precision fermentation capacity, support more ag-related companies, and create new skilled jobs. Community & Rural Life: Bradford’s Carrot Fest is drawing crowds and spotlighting Holland Marsh growers, reinforcing the rural-urban connection. Indigenous Food Systems: The Canadian Space Agency is funding Inuit-owned Arctic Fresh and The Growcer to design a year-round indoor fruit and vegetable farm for Nunavut communities.

Wildfire & drought pressure on farms: Canada’s drought footprint jumped in July, with the biggest hit in Central Canada, while Prairie agriculture stayed mostly drought-free thanks to spring moisture. Harvest watch: Saskatchewan growers are seeing a slow start to harvest, but southeast rain is easing worries as fields avoid standing water. Risk management gap: Farm Management Canada says education and communication gaps are limiting how well producers use agricultural risk management programs, calling for a national strategy to close the gap. Beef stewardship spotlight: A Manitoba cattle family is a finalist for the Canadian Cattle Association’s Environmental Stewardship Award, pitching grazing practices that build soil health and resilience. Food supply & prices: A fresh Ontario tomato shipment is helping meet demand with lower-than-retail pricing in Brandon, while broader food insecurity remains a concern in parts of Canada. Global ag policy & trade: Canada-U.S. tariff talks remain a live issue for agriculture, with calls to avoid new tariffs and protect market access.

B.C. Wildfire Crisis: British Columbia remains in a state of emergency as the Bald Range fire and other blazes drive evacuations and major uncertainty for growers and rural communities. Trade Pressure on Ag: U.S. trade officials say Canada must lift retaliatory measures to avoid new tariffs, as talks intensify ahead of deadlines that could hit cross-border farm markets. Supply Management Debate: A fresh explainer pushes back on common myths about Canada’s dairy supply management system, urging readers to look at real costs and benefits. Prairie Seeding Research: University of Manitoba work highlights how wheat coleoptile length can guide deeper seeding decisions in dry conditions. Sheep Welfare Input: Public comment is open on a draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep, inviting producer and consumer feedback. Food Safety Recall: CFIA recalls certain Whole Foods Market guacamoles, salsas and prepared foods in Ontario due to possible salmonella contamination linked to jalapenos from Mexico. On-Farm Zoning Fix: Bradford’s Chestnut Creek event venue won a zoning bylaw exception after years of operating while out of compliance. Crop Options for Dry Acres: Fall rye is promoted as a practical alternative for unseeded acres, with guidance on timing and seeding rates. Markets Watch: StatCan reports wholesale sales rose 9% year over year in June, with agricultural supplies among the gainers.

Canada–U.S. Trade Pressure: Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is heading into another meeting with U.S. Trade Rep Jamieson Greer as Washington moves toward Aug. 19 with threatened 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford warning Ottawa must protect auto, steel, aluminum, forestry, manufacturing and agriculture. Dairy Supply Management: Canada’s dairy sector is urging the federal government to avoid further concessions on dairy and supply management in ongoing talks, pointing to a trade imbalance that already favors the U.S. Drought Watch: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says drought coverage jumped from 18.8% of Canada at end of June to 38.9% by July 31, with severe-to-exceptional drought rising to 18.7%—though only 10.8% of agricultural land is affected, mainly in B.C. Big Iron Caution: U.S. tractor sales fell 10.9% in July and Canadian sales are also down, signaling farmers are tightening equipment spending amid uncertainty. B.C. Wildfire Relief: In the Okanagan, evacuees and food suppliers are coordinating emergency meals and support as wildfire impacts disrupt harvest work and livelihoods.

Dairy Expansion: Gay Lea Foods is investing $200M to expand its Toronto cottage-cheese production, aiming to ease a national shortage and support a broader $450M growth plan. Prairie Farm Tech: Saskatchewan-built AG360 is pitching a single digital hub for grain marketing, bin inventory, machinery, labour/HR and agronomy—built to cut spreadsheet chaos. Equipment Demand: AEM reports continued weakness in new tractor and combine sales in Canada and the U.S., with 4WD tractor sales down 22.6% and 2WD down 8.9% year-to-date. Trade Pressure: Canada and the U.S. are meeting again as a new Aug. 19 tariff deadline nears; dairy groups warn Ottawa not to concede supply management. Water Security: Alberta is launching a 100-year water security study to guide infrastructure and water management for farming and industry growth. Wildfire Impacts: B.C. officials say a mountain-goat herd near Summerland is “thought to have escaped” the Bald Range fire, though uncertainty remains. Farmworker Housing: Kelowna downsized a proposal to house seasonal farmworkers from 56 to 40 after council pushback.

Wildfire Relief and Food Supply: In Penticton, the Sikh Temple and Elks Lodge ramped up fast after Summerland-area evacuations, serving up to 2,000 meals a day and leaning on farm produce to stretch costly groceries. B.C. Wildfire Lessons: Premier David Eby called the Bald Range fire “brutal,” saying it outran modelling and forced crews to shift from fighting flames to helping about 20,000 people flee, with a review focused on how communities build at the wildland-urban interface. Prairie Drought Update: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Drought Monitor shows drought coverage rising from 18.8% (end of June) to 38.9% (end of July), driven by developing drought in northwestern Ontario, northwestern Quebec and the northern Prairies, with southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan hit hardest by rainfall deficits and heat. Farm Input Pressure: Alberta pumpkin growers report crops running about a month behind after a wet July, with weeds and pooling water delaying harvest and raising frost risk. Policy/Planning: Saskatchewan’s agriculture roundtable showed up in federal pre-budget consultations as Secretary of State Wayne Long met canola growers and wheat board stakeholders in Saskatoon and Regina. Ag Tech/Operations: A Canadian startup-university partnership is expanding autonomous farming tech in Nebraska, pointing to continued momentum in precision agriculture.

Plant-forward diets and kidney health: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study tracking 179,508 people for about 12 years found sticking to plant-forward eating patterns (including the EAT-Lancet style) was linked to a 2.7% lower incidence of chronic kidney disease, with benefits tied to less oxidative stress and inflammation. Trade pressure on farm-linked exporters: A CFIB survey says two in five Canadian exporters to the U.S. expect direct impacts from looming 50% Trump tariff threats, with many CUSMA-compliant goods at risk—raising alarm for small businesses tied to U.S. buyers. Beef labelling fight returns in the U.S.: The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee advanced mandatory country-of-origin labelling (MCOOL) for beef, potentially reopening a long-running Canada-U.S. dispute as tariff talks intensify. Dry bean research in Manitoba: Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers hosted a tour at AAFC’s Morden station, highlighting ongoing work to tackle dry bean production challenges and improve grower returns. Severe weather alerts get sharper in Canada: Environment Canada is rolling out polygon-based thunderstorm and tornado warnings to better target where storms are likely to hit. Livestock fraud case in Saskatchewan: RCMP charged a 52-year-old man after inspecting 197 cattle and finding altered or fraudulent brands. AI data-centre planning scrutiny in Essex County: Essex Council ordered a review of land-use policy for AI data centres, including impacts on power, water, environment, and security.

B.C. Wildfire Fallout: The Bald Range fire in the Okanagan has burned to nearly 180 sq. km, triggered a provincewide state of emergency, and forced about 20,000 people to flee; police have launched a criminal investigation into the cause, and farmers and animal owners are reporting major impacts on livestock and pets. Poultry Prices Watch: A Canadian food economist says chicken supply is still lagging demand, with wholesale prices at record levels and a risk of sharper price increases by September unless Ottawa acts. Dairy Investment: Gay Lea Foods is putting more than $200M into expanding its Toronto cottage-cheese and dairy processing capacity to address a national shortage. Eggs, Explained: Egg Farmers of Canada is pushing back on misconceptions with a message that Canadian egg production relies on inspections and third-party audits. Trade & Policy Signals: Ottawa is weighing how to respond to U.S. tariff pressure while dairy producers warn against concessions that could undermine supply management. On-Farm Reality Check: Farm Credit Canada analysis points to weaker used equipment sales in early 2026, echoing softness in new equipment demand.

B.C. Wildfires and Drought: Officials say 102 fires are burning, with dry lightning risk and worsening Southern Interior drought; evacuees near Summerland face major destruction as RCMP investigate the Bald Range fire’s cause. Summerland Mushroom Farm Loss: What The Fungus says its 12-year mushroom operation was destroyed in the Bald Range wildfire; a GoFundMe has raised $35,000+ as owners plan to rebuild. Food Prices and Supply Management: A chicken market warning says production is up but underproduction persists, with wholesale prices at record levels and Ottawa urged to act before September. Dairy Investment: Gay Lea Foods will invest $200M to expand its Toronto cottage-cheese and cultured dairy capacity, citing a “national cottage cheese shortage.” Trade and Tariffs: A U.S. dairy expert says Trump’s tariff moves are meant to push Canada back to USMCA talks, with potential dairy market access on the table. Farm Land Protection: Centre Wellington advocates propose a farmland buyback program using tools like conservation easements to help local farmers compete with developers. Ag Tech on the Ground: In Iringa, ultrasound is being adopted to improve cattle pregnancy checks and reduce breeding guesswork.

B.C. Wildfires Response: Canada put the military on standby as the Bald Range fire in the Okanagan forced about 20,000 people to flee; officials warned re-entry won’t be soon and said farmers and ranchers may get temporary access to care for animals. Wildfire Investigation: RCMP launched a criminal probe into the blaze’s cause and urged the public to stop spreading misinformation about how it started. Agriculture Disruption: The fire hit key farming areas around Summerland and Peachland, with communities bracing for major damage and animal rescues underway. Grain Sector Update: The Canadian Grain Commission updated grain grading procedures for 2026-27, including changes to how darkened kernels and certain damage factors are assessed for amber durum, wheat and lentils. Dairy Research: A Canadian study found full-fat dairy doesn’t worsen cholesterol or insulin resistance and may improve blood pressure, challenging “skim-only” advice. Agri-Trade & Events: Canadian Western Agribition signed an MOU with Argentina’s Sociedad Rural Argentina to deepen livestock-sector collaboration. Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products in 26 U.S. states over possible salmonella contamination. Ag Tech & Infrastructure: Behlen Industries is supplying pre-engineered buildings for Bell’s planned Regina-area AI data centre.

Wildfire Pressure on Farms: B.C.’s Bald Range fire nearly doubled overnight, triggering a state of emergency and evacuation orders for more than 20,000 people; B.C. Agriculture says 221 registered agricultural premises are under evacuation order, with farmers and ranchers weighing whether to stay and protect animals. Soil Health in Focus: The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is hosting a free Aug. 13 Thorndale Demonstration Farm tour on soil sampling, interpreting test results, and best practices like cover crops. Food Safety Watch: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing products tied to a salmonella outbreak in 26 states, while a separate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce continues to expand. Trade Talks and Dairy Stakes: Ottawa is negotiating an interim Canada–U.S. deal that could lift provincial alcohol bans and adjust dairy quota rules, in exchange for partial relief from U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs ahead of an Aug. 19 deadline. Labour Market Paperwork: LMIA processing times edged higher across most Temporary Foreign Worker streams, while the permanent resident stream fell. Policy Input for Sheep Welfare: A draft Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep is open for public comment until Oct. 9, 2026.

Wildfire Pressure on Food & Livestock: B.C. wildfire evacuations and a provincial state of emergency keep escalating, with reports also noting groups working to rescue livestock and animals. Prairie Crop Insurance Hit: Saskatchewan producers faced one of the worst hail weeks on record (July 3–10), with insurers investigating 4,000+ claims and some companies reporting damage on about a million acres. Dairy & Nutrition Research: A University of Toronto study adds to the debate on full-fat dairy, finding three daily servings didn’t harm weight or blood lipids and may improve blood pressure. Plant-Forward Diets & Kidney Health: A Canadian Medical Association Journal study links adherence to plant-forward eating patterns (including EAT-Lancet) with lower chronic kidney disease incidence over 12 years. Manitoba Ag Science Investment: Ottawa is backing a major Winnipeg lab expansion for human and animal health research, a long-term boost for infectious-disease work. On-Farm Health & Poultry: Zoetis Canada highlights how “silent” infectious bursal disease in Canadian broilers can drive immunosuppression and worsen secondary infections. Food Waste Hack: UBC researchers say a seaweed-based coating can keep strawberries fresher for up to four days at room temperature. Trade Talks Watch: Canada’s top negotiators head back to Washington as tariff deadlines loom, while opposition leaders urge Carney to avoid concessions.