Farms.com Home   News

Saskatchewan Farm Families Under Threat as Trade Disputes Intensify

Escalating trade disputes have prompted the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) to sound the alarm over the increasing pressures facing Saskatchewan’s farm families.

Saskatchewan's agricultural producers are grappling with unparalleled uncertainty amid tariffs imposed by China and implied by the United States, are threatening their economic stability and livelihoods.

Bill Prybylski, APAS President, highlights the dire situation, “Our agricultural sector faces serious threats. These trade disputes are causing tangible economic hardships and anxiety among farmers, who are dedicated to producing high quality food for global consumption.”

Trade tensions combined with the cancellation of strategic projects are unsettling the agricultural community. The Chinese government's introduction of a 100% tariff on Canadian canola oil, meal, and pork, jeopardizes a crucial export channel worth nearly $5 billion in 2024 and threatens the income of canola and pork producers throughout Saskatchewan.

Additionally, the potential imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian agricultural products by the United States adds another layer of uncertainty. The ongoing threat disrupts long-standing trade relationships, causing widespread concern among producers reliant on these markets. As Canada's primary agricultural trading partner, any turbulence with the U.S. will have far-reaching implications.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

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

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.