Fertilizer Canada is deeply concerned by the announcement of tariffs from the U.S. and Canadian governments impacting North American fertilizer trade.

Feb 05, 2025

Fertilizer Canada is deeply concerned by the announcement of tariffs from the U.S. and Canadian governments impacting North American fertilizer trade. Fertilizer plays a vital role in food security, and tariffs will threaten food production and could have cascading impacts on food supply chains. Farmers on both sides of the border rely on North American-produced fertilizer to grow strong, healthy, high-yielding crops that feed us all. Canadian fertilizer exports to the United States support American farmers and imposing tariffs will jeopardize this deeply integrated, open trading relationship that is vital to North American agricultural producers, particularly as farmers on both sides of the border prepare for spring planting. Imposing U.S. tariffs on Canadian fertilizer imports will distort the U.S. market in favour of countries such as Russia and China, who do not operate under the same environmental, human rights and trade practices, undermining the critical trade goals of each of our countries.

Source : Fertilizer Canada

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.