Interest rate increase could slow demand for farmland

Sep 09, 2022

The Bank of Canada announced this week an increase to its policy interest rate of 75 basis points to 3.25%, as it continues to address inflation.

FCC Chief Economist JP Gervais talked about the impact on farmers.

"Higher interest expenses actually has an impact on margin. I think the good news is that the demand for what we grow is still very robust, both domestically as well as globally. We've had to deal with elevated input costs. Costs have been coming down a little bit now but so have commodity prices. I think margins remain positive for grains and oilseeds. I think the fact that feed prices have declined a little bit, brings a little bit of relief to livestock producers. Overall, margins are projected to be positive for this coming marketing year but no doubt that higher interest expenses are going to be impacting margins."

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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.