Farm groups’ federal election wish list for all Canadians

Apr 01, 2025

Farm organizations have been quick to bring forward some lengthy election wish lists for politicians to consider during Canada’s 37-day sprint to the April 28 vote.

It’s no surprise tariffs top the list. Farm groups are calling on the federal government to do whatever it takes to maintain tariff-free access to the U.S. and Chinese markets for livestock and grains.

“Tariffs, and the potential for tariffs, from the two key markets of the U.S. and China are the largest threats facing our industry today,” said Cam Dahl, general manager of Manitoba Pork. “If trade restrictions last without mitigation, jobs and income in every part of Manitoba will be impacted.”

Manitoba exports approximately 90 per cent of the eight million pigs producers raise annually, either live or after processing. American plans are not yet known, but China has slapped tariffs on Canadian pork in retaliation for the federal government’s decision to place 100 per cent tariffs on imported Chinese-made electric vehicles.

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Video: How women saved agricultural economics and other ideas for why diversity matters | Jill J. McCluskey

Dr. Jill J. McCluskey, Regents Professor at Washington State University and Director of the School of Economic Science

Dr. McCluskey documents that women entered agricultural economics in significant numbers starting in the 1980s, and their ranks have increased over time. She argues that women have increased the relevance in the field of agricultural economics through their diverse interests, perspectives, and experiences. In their research, women have expanded the field's treatment of non-traditional topics such as food safety and nutrition and environmental and natural resource economics. In this sense, women saved the Agricultural Economics profession from a future as a specialty narrowly focused on agricultural production and markets. McCluskey will go on to discuss some of her own story and how it has shaped some of her thinking and research. She will present her research on dual-career couples in academia, promotional achievement of women in both Economics and Agricultural Economics, and work-life support programs.

The Daryl F. Kraft Lecture is arranged by the Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, with the support of the Solomon Sinclair Farm Management Institute, and in cooperation with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.