Farm groups say Bloc legislation seeking supply management trade protections is driving division in agriculture

Apr 28, 2023

A private member’s bill seeking to provide more protection to Canada’s agricultural sector in trade negotiations is proving to be the latest source of division between farmers and ranchers across the country.

The legislation, known as Bill C-282, made its way to committee to be studied last month. It would amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act, forbidding the Canadian government from entering any trade deals that would adjust tariff rates or quotas for dairy, poultry and egg products — essentially taking those sectors off the table during trade talks.

The bill passed overwhelmingly in late February in the House of Commons with a vote of 293 to 23, before moving onto the international trade committee where it is currently being studied. It has garnered support from the dairy, poultry and egg sector that claim they have lost out on domestic market access due to recent trade deals. However, others representing producers who don’t belong to the supply management system say the legislation would put export-reliant agriculture at a tremendous disadvantage.

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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.