Canada: Tariff support not that quick or easy: critics

The article discusses the announcement of changes to AgriStability, a Canadian farm support program, ahead of the federal election. The changes include an increase in the compensation rate from 80 to 90 percent and doubling the maximum payment, in response to Chinese tariffs on various Canadian agricultural products. However, the changes have received mixed reactions, with some leaders calling them short-term political maneuvers and others urging for their implementation. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has requested discussions with the federal government and has asked for increases in other agricultural programs to address farmers' immediate financial challenges. The article also mentions the need for a long-term strategy in the sector and highlights a conference in Kyiv to discuss the development of the grain sector in the Black Sea and Danube region.

Changes announced to AgriStability on the eve of the federal election call have met with mixed reaction. Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe said they amount to zero at this time and the Western Canadian Wheat Growers called them short-term political manoeuvres, while others called for their implementation. The increase in compensation rate from 80 to 90 per cent, and a doubled maximum payment, were quietly announced on a Saturday evening as relief from Chinese tariffs levied on canola oil and meal, peas, pork and seafood. The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) said the province should immediately begin discussions with the federal government to implement the changes. President Bill Prybylski said the impact of the changes depended on whether the province took action. But provincial agriculture minister Daryl Harrison said it can’t. “The federal government announced proposed enhancements to AgriStability knowing full well these changes cannot be implemented ...