Canada’s new ag minister is Kody Blois

Mar 18, 2025

Kody Blois, MP for the Nova Scotia riding of Kings-Hants since 2019, has buttoned down his dream job. He is the new federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development. His plate will be full with threats of Chinese tariffs on canola and meal for March 20 and American tariffs in the wings for April 2 on all Canadian goods, including fruits and vegetables.

The 34-year-old has moved up from his role as parliamentary secretary to Prince Edward Island MP Lawrence MacAulay and most recent ag minister. Blois is currently chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.

According to Blois’ LinkedIn page, he’s a lawyer with degrees in commerce, public administration and law. He was a former competitive athlete. He is passionate about community development and public policy.

Blois no stranger to horticulture. The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) named him 2023 Produce Champion, an award that recognizes an MP or Senator who has been supportive of the produce industry and is effective in bringing industry issues to the forefront of Parliament Hill.

"Agriculture is a huge priority for me,” said MP Blois, at the time of the award. “Representing the riding of Kings—Hants, where agriculture is one of the main drivers of the economy, I am honoured to be named Produce Champion by CPMA, an organization that represents such a huge sector of the Canadian economy.”

Source : The Grower

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.