Canada boosts farm aid as China slaps 100% levy on canola, peas

Canadian farmers are facing significant financial impact due to China's tariffs on key agricultural exports, including a 100% duty on canola oil, canola meal, peas, pork, fish, and seafood products. In response, the Canadian government is providing enhanced supports through the AgriStability programme to help producers navigate volatile trade conditions. This programme will provide funds faster and ensure larger operations can access meaningful support. Additionally, the government is encouraging producers to utilize various business risk management tools and Farm Credit Canada is providing $1 billion in new lending to ease financial pressure. Canada continues to push for market diversification and maintains open dialogue with China, but will not compromise on its values, standards, or support for its agricultural sector.

Canadian farmers brace for the fallout after China imposed steep tariffs on key agricultural exports—including a 100% duty on canola oil, canola meal and peas—prompting swift support measures from the federal government, according to a government-issued press release. On the heels of China’s anti-discrimination investigation, which concluded in March, Ottawa confirmed the punitive tariffs would also apply to select pork, fish and seafood products, with a 25% levy introduced on those goods. The move deals a significant blow to Canada’s agri-food sector and threatens billions in trade, particularly in canola and pork. In response, Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development, unveiled a package of enhanced supports through the AgriStability programme, designed to help producers weather volatile trade conditions and mounting global risks. “These tariffs will have a devastating impact on farm families and their communities,” Blois said. “We’re ...