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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: March 2026

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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: March 2026

Headlines

2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF)

The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), spotlighting the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. IYWF 2026 raises awareness and promotes actions to close the gender gaps and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide. See this news on the FMC page | Other resources:

2026 Census of Agriculture

Mark your calendars. In May 2026, farm operators across Canada will be invited to take part in the Census of Agriculture. By completing the census, farm operators can have their voices heard and help strengthen their communities while supporting the future of agriculture in Canada.

The Census of Agriculture has provided a snapshot of the Canadian agriculture sector since 1921. Decision-makers use the data collected from the Census of Agriculture to act in the interest of farm operators, farming communities and agricultural associations across Canada. More information

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, which takes place March 15 to 21, encourages farmers, farm families, workers, and rural communities to prioritize farm health and safety every day. This national annual initiative, led by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, is aimed at helping raise awareness about the importance of health and safety in agricultural operations. For more information on farm health and safety in Alberta, see Health and safety on Alberta farms and ranches on the OHS Resource Portal. | Learn more on the CASA website

The University of Guelph and the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) have launched the 3rd National Survey of Farmer and Rancher Mental Health in Canada

This national survey invites farmers and ranchers from all commodities and regions across Canada to share their experiences related to stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, resilience, and coping. The results will help build a clearer, more current picture of mental health in agriculture and will be compared with findings from previous national surveys conducted in 2016 and 2021.

The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) is pleased to help amplify this work and support broad participation across the sector. Strong participation helps ensure that future research, programs, and policy decisions are informed by the real experiences of farmers and ranchers. The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete, and your participation enters you into 5 draws to WIN $200! ENGLISH SURVEY | FRENCH SURVEY

Canadian Cattle Association launches survey on traceability

In response to producer feedback and concern about proposed amendments to Part XV (Traceability) of the Health of Animals Regulations, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has launched an online traceability feedback survey to ensure that producers have an opportunity to share their feedback. The survey is based on the proposed regulations as they were anticipated prior to the pause. Feedback collected through the survey will be used to help inform the organization’s next steps related to traceability discussions. Read more and participate in the survey

Accelerating investment in Canadian agriculture and food

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) recently announced it has convened a coalition of more than 20 investment organizations collectively prepared to deploy up to $5 billion into Canadian agriculture and food innovation by 2030. Continue reading

Farm cash receipts - Alberta leads the way in 2025

Farm cash receipts in Canada totaled $101.4 billion in 2025, up $3.3 billion (+3.4 per cent) from 2024. In 2025, receipts for livestock (+$5.3 billion) drove the increase while lower receipts for crops (-$871.5 million) and program payments (-$1.1 billion) moderated the rise in total receipts. Most provinces recorded higher farm cash receipts in 2025, led by Alberta (+$1.4 billion) and Ontario (+$820.5 million). Check out all the numbers

Funding, Resources & Programs

Class 1 Learning Pathway Grant Program

The Class 1 Learning Pathway Grant Program is designed to support the commercial driving industry in Alberta by increasing the number of licensed Class 1 and 3 drivers, connecting them with employers and funding projects that will increase driver employment, attraction, retention and industry diversification. Learn more here

AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

The AgriMarketing Program offers targeted support tailored to specific sector needs. This includes a combined $75 million in contribution funding over 5 fiscal years (2026-2027 to 2030-2031) to promote market diversification, in addition to support already provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). The following support encourages greater diversification to respond to market instability in the Canadian agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sector, including fish and seafood. Learn more here.

How agri-food exporters grow in the Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world and a priority market for Canadian exporters looking to diversify. Demand for safe, high‑quality food aligns with Canada’s strengths, creating long-term opportunities for food and beverage companies. Join Arlene Dickinson as she shares her insights and experiences from speaking with exporters successfully growing in the region. Watch the webinar here | Access the resource document here.

CCGA launches 2026 cash advance applications

Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) has opened its early application window for the 2026 Advance Payments Program, continuing its work supporting the operating capital needs of Western Canadian crop and livestock farmers. Farmers can now submit their application for a 2026 cash advance through CCGA. CCGA will begin issuing funds for the 2026 program on April 1. More information

Wildfire Prevention and Emergency Management 

A little prevention and preparation can go a long way, and with a lack of snow in many areas, now is a great time to start. To help you get started, refer to Module 7: Emergency Preparedness & Management of the Alberta FarmSafe Plan Manual and use the resources below:

Free Safety Resources

The people in your workforce have a wide range of backgrounds. Your employees may include new Canadians, temporary foreign workers, or others with English as their second language. All workers have a right to learn how to keep safe on the job, and information needs to be available in languages they understand. That’s why we’ve developed easy-to-use resources in four different languages. Free agricultural safety resources available in four languages from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.

Support for Farmers and Agricultural Communities

Discover programs from the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance (NFMHA), including the Grief After Suicide Support Group, Agriculture Informed Therapy™ (AIT), and agriculture-focused workshops.

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Op-ed: Feeding the World Is an Economic Opportunity

Declining market share means that we are leaving agri-food potential untapped, translating to billions of dollars in lost economic opportunity. Nearly a decade ago, the federal government released its Economic Strategy Tables report on agri-food, and laid out an ambitious plan to turn Canada into a global agricultural superpower. Through market diversification, a competitive regulatory environment, transportation and digital infrastructure, and a stable labour supply, Canada could become a top five exporter of agri-food products globally. Read the blog here.

Building Future Success: Growing Canada’s Agricultural Sector

The Canada West Foundation ensures that Western Canada’s priorities, backed by its economic strength, shape national policy through non-partisan research, bold solutions and strategic engagement. When the West leads, Canada thrives. This report was written by Stephany Laverty, Senior Policy Analyst at the Canada West Foundation. Read the roundtable summary here.

AgriStability updates

The Government of Canada, through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, has announced updates to the AgriStability program to support livestock producers facing rising costs. The changes, will allow pasture-related feed costs as eligible expenses, improving support for producers who rely on rented grazing land, including cow-calf, sheep, and goat operations. Learn more

Tax credit for 2025 available to Alberta canola growers

The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit rate applicable to Alberta canola growers for the 2025 tax year has been set at 16.13 per cent. The SR&ED program enables eligible growers to claim a federal tax credit on the portion of their canola service charge that supports qualifying research activities. Growers who choose to receive a refund of their service charge are not eligible to claim this credit. More information

Order your Blue Book

The Blue Book is a longstanding and trusted resource for Alberta farmers and agronomists, providing current pesticide application information. With over 700 pages of valuable crop protection information, spraying guidelines and farm safety, The Blue Book is an essential tool for any farming operation. The Blue Book is collaboratively produced by three of Alberta’s crop commissions – Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains and Alberta Pulse Growers. Order the 2026 Blue Book

Scotiabank Agriculture Succession Planning Seminar

Join Joe Devine, Scotia Wealth Management Wealth Advisor and the Scotiabank Agriculture Banking team for a FREE presentation on succession planning for family farms. In addition to our team, we will have a guest speaker presenting on farm tax considerations for the year ahead. Lunch will be provided. Learn more here.

Top 6 Calf Management Resources for Beef Producers this Calving Season

By putting these calving resources into practice, beef cattle producers can improve calf survival, reduce health problems and build stronger, more productive herds. The post Top 6 Calf Management Resources for Beef Producers this Calving Season appeared first on Beef Research.

Beef Cattle Code of Practice update underway

Canada’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle is currently undergoing an update, with a public comment period expected to begin April 13, 2026. The Code sets out basic standards for animal care practices for producers. It was originally released in 2013 and reviewed in 2018.

During the 60-day public comment period, producers and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to review the draft Code and provide feedback before it is finalized. Learn more and provide your input

AgriStability support expanded to include pasture-related feed costs

To address the challenges of rising costs and to ensure fairer program support, federal, provincial and territorial governments have made improvements to AgriStability, something Alberta has championed for the past few years.

AgriStability guidelines have been amended to add pasture-related feed costs as an allowable expense under the program, beginning with the 2026 program year. By including pasture-related feed costs, AgriStability will provide more equitable support for producers whose animals graze on land they do not own, particularly cow-calf, sheep, and goat farmers, who rely heavily on rented pastureland. AgriStability

Principal field crop areas, 2026

Canadian farmers expect to plant more canola, barley, soybeans and corn for grain in 2026, while they anticipate area seeded to wheat, oats, lentils and dry peas to decrease compared with the previous year. Check out all the numbers

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

FCC On-Demand Virtual Events
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) events
AgSafe Alberta’s paid courses are FREE until May 31, 2026, using Promo Code SAFESTART26! | Learn more.

Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit: Part 1 - March 17 | Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit: Part 2 - March 31

Strategies for Reducing Calf Losses: Veterinary Insights from Across Canada | Webinar | March 18

From Soil to Solar: Energy and Efficiency for Farms and Rural Albertans | Virtual |  March 23

Making Sense of AgriStability Margins: What They Are, How They Change and Why It Matters | Webinar |  Tuesday, March 31 @ 10 a.m. MDT

Alberta Next: Agribusiness | Chamber Members get 50% - Access Member pricing and registration here | April 27

Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab events, virtual | Composting 101 - April 29

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx (includes upcoming industry events)

Other Resources

As always, you can always find more agribusiness resources on our website: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/agribusiness-resources/

If you know of someone who may be interested in the work we are doing and might be interested in investing in this work through membership, please feel free to refer them to us. You can also encourage others to subscribe to our agriculture updates through this page. We look forward to continuing our work with you and pushing for our collective priorities on your behalf.

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