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

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

Headlines

Irrigators, province want to increase storage capacity

SMRID, the Eastern Irrigation District, around Brooks, and the Bow River Irrigation District, centred in Vauxhall, are the three largest districts in Alberta, and are all advancing huge reservoir expansions that together would allow them to supply 75,000 more hectares of crop land. Together, it would increase irrigated land in Alberta by more than 10 per cent. Read more here.

Consumer Protection and the Farm Implement and Dealership Act

The Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO) encourages all producers to know and understand how the Farm Implement and Dealership Act (the Act) protects their investment in farm equipment. This includes the availability of repair parts, warranty protections, remedies for breach of sale or lease agreements, and the opportunity to apply for compensation if an implement fails to perform as it should.

Importantly, these protections are only available when implements are purchased from dealers and distributors operating in Alberta and licensed by the FAO under the Act. See the provincially licensed dealers and distributors search page to find out if a company you are considering purchasing from has a valid licence. You can also review the FAO’s Farm implements webpage for more information on the Act and associated regulation.

The FAO also recently published a new Advisory 2026-1: The Bottom Line on Grey Market Machines, explaining that grey market machines are manufactured for use in market destinations outside of North America. They may be advertised as used or lightly used equipment and are often sold online, through auctions, or by private equipment dealers. The benefits of the Act may not be available to purchasers of this type of equipment. It is always best to know before you buy. If you have any questions, please contact the FAO directly via the online contact form or email farmers.advocate@gov.ab.ca.

The Blue Book goes digital

For nearly 50 years, Alberta farmers and agronomists have relied on Alberta’s Crop Protection Guide, better known as the Blue Book, as a go-to resource for making informed crop protection decisions. In May 2026, that trusted tool takes its next step forward with the launch of a new digital app, putting one of the industry’s most respected resources directly into the hands of users. More information

Community Impact Awards

Behind every strong agricultural community are people who step up: leaders, volunteers and advocates who make a lasting impact. The Alberta Grains Community Impact Awards were created to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference on the farm, in the industry or in their community. The three award categories are:

  • Outstanding Contribution
  • Emerging Leader
  • Delegate Distinction

The deadline to submit nominations is July 31. Learn more and nominate someone today

2026 Census of Population and the Census of Agriculture

The collection for the 2026 Census of Population and 2026 Census of Agriculture began May 4th. Across the country households and farm businesses will be receiving their census invitation letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete their questionnaires. Each letter includes a unique 16-digit secure access code that allows respondents to access and complete their census questionnaires online at census.gc.ca.

Consumer Protection and the Farm Implement and Dealership Act

The Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO) encourages all producers to know and understand how the Farm Implement and Dealership Act (the Act) protects their investment in farm equipment. This includes the availability of repair parts, warranty protections, remedies for breach of sale or lease agreements, and the opportunity to apply for compensation if an implement fails to perform as it should.

Importantly, these protections are only available when implements are purchased from dealers and distributors operating in Alberta and licensed by the FAO under the Act. See the provincially licensed dealers and distributors search page to find out if a company you are considering purchasing from has a valid licence. You can also review the FAO’s Farm implements webpage for more information on the Act and associated regulation.

The FAO also recently published a new Advisory 2026-1: The Bottom Line on Grey Market Machines, explaining that grey market machines are manufactured for use in market destinations outside of North America. They may be advertised as used or lightly used equipment and are often sold online, through auctions, or by private equipment dealers. The benefits of the Act may not be available to purchasers of this type of equipment. It is always best to know before you buy.

 If you have any questions, please contact the FAO directly via the online contact form or email farmers.advocate@gov.ab.ca

Keep crops market ready with Keep it Clean's 2026 Product Advisory

Keep it Clean’s 2026 Product Advisory is now available to inform growers and crop advisors about the key changes to export market requirements. The Product Advisory outlines the product and crop combinations that may pose market risk for the upcoming growing season.

With 90 per cent of Canadian canola, 80 per cent of Canadian wheat, barley and oats, and 85 per cent of Canadian pulse production being exported annually, the Product Advisory is a vital tool growers can use to ensure their grain meets global agricultural export standards. 2026 Product Advisory

The Beef Code of Practice Public Comment Period is OPEN - have your say!

An overview has been prepared by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) to help beef producers prepare comments during the Beef Code of Practice 60-day public comment period from April 13 to June 12, 2026. Producers are encouraged to review the full draft and provide feedback.

Alberta reinstates 2% liquid strychnine with a focus on stewardship - training now available

Alberta’s government partnered with Saskatchewan and federal regulators to reinstate — on an emergency basis — the use of 2% liquid strychnine as an additional tool to control Richardson’s ground squirrels in parts of the province.

Producers in 49 municipalities may use the rodenticide to protect their livestock and livelihoods. The Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (formerly the Pest Management Regulatory Agency) has approved emergency use of 2% liquid strychnine in Alberta until November 1, 2027. It cannot be used in urban areas or on acreages. Mandatory training must be completed before using strychnine. Read the article | Strychnine stewardship training.

Updated Plant Breeders’ Rights Regulations

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Plant Breeders’ Rights Regulations to encourage innovation, investment, research and competitiveness in Canada’s agriculture, horticulture and ornamental sectors. The updates will benefit innovators, producers and consumers by reinforcing Canada’s intellectual property framework for plant breeders in support of a more competitive environment that will deliver new and improved plant varieties to market. More information

Now Accepting Applications: On-Farm Value-Added Program and Value-Added Program

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership has launched its cost-shared On-Farm Value-Added Program for primary producers and Value-Added Program for food and bio-industrial processors for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. These programs support the continued diversification and growth in Alberta through investment in projects that increase sales, production capacity, explore and expand market opportunities, and create new jobs. The programs have two continuous intake streams, Stream A and Stream B, based on respective eligibility criteria and merit scoring.

Eligible applicants include primary producers and bio-industrial or food processors involved in the value-added processing of an agricultural product. Eligible expenses must be incurred between January 1, 2026, and March 15, 2027. A minimum of 50% of the total investment for the project must be secured prior to application for the grant.

Applicants can only apply to either program, or to the Emerging Opportunities Program for the same activities. Eligible project activities and additional program requirements can be found in the respective Funding List and program Terms and Conditions. Program intakes will close when all grant funding is fully allocated.

Animal Feed – Policy and Procedures Updates

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is consulting on the following single ingredient feed descriptions:

Seeking comments on the proposed descriptions by June 12, 2026.

Funding, Resources & Programs

Flexible options make AgriStability participation easier

As AgriStability continues to evolve, farmers across Alberta now have more flexible, accessible options to protect their operations from income uncertainty. Recent program enhancements not only strengthen coverage but also make it simpler than ever for producers — large and small — to participate.

  • Easier than ever to participate only three years of historical data required; optional tax-based reference margin available.
  • Participants can request a coverage notice between May 1 and December 31 to estimate their support level for the year, adding clarity and predictability to the program.

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.

AgSafe Alberta advisors understand agriculture and will use their experience and knowledge to help you make your farm safer. Qualifying farms can get up to 10 hours of FREE advisor support!    

Agriculture for Life – Grant Stream

Alberta agriculture and agri-food employers can access funding through Agriculture for Life – Grant Stream 2 to strengthen HR practices, attract and retain talent, and access professional training. With up to 90% cost-share available, it’s a great opportunity to invest in your workforce before the November 30, 2026 deadline

Risk Management Resource Bundle

Farmers face uncertainty every day, but with the right tools, risk can be managed proactively and strategically. Effective risk management is about anticipating challenges, minimizing vulnerabilities, and seizing opportunities by planning ahead. In collaboration with Farm Credit Canada, Farm Management Canada is excited to launch its Risk Management Resource Bundle, which offers a simple offline starting point for managing farm risk. Learn more and download the bundle

On-farm processing possible through video inspection program

Alberta producers have access to a virtual option for managing animals that cannot be transported, through the province’s Video Ante-Mortem Inspection (VAMI) program. The program allows a government-authorized inspector to conduct an ante-mortem inspection remotely using video, enabling humane on-site slaughter in situations where transport is not possible or would cause additional distress. Learn more

Innovative farming has its rewards

Earn up to $4,000 for your sustainable practices. Start planning now so you’re ready to apply when programs open. Learn more

Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships presented by BURNCO 

An exciting opportunity for youth who are passionate about public speaking & agriculture with over $15,000 in prizes and awards! Winners also receive a travel credit to compete at the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture Finals in Toronto in November. The competition is open to youth ages 11-24 years old. Youth who are 11-15 years old are in the Junior Division; and youth who are 16-24 years are in the Senior Division. Registration Closes June 19, 2026 

Canadian Beef Check-Off Scholarship Opportunity!

The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency established a scholarship to encourage and support students pursuing post-secondary studies in the field of agriculture, agricultural research, or with an agriculture background pursuing studies in marketing.n The award will be announced at the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency’s Annual General Meeting each year, and will be paid by October 1 of the year of the award. Apply for this scholarship before June 30, 2026.

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Publication of Animal Products and By-products Import Policy

The final version of the Terrestrial Animal Products and By-products Import Policy is now published on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. The old version of the policy has now been retired and is no longer accessible. The policy applies to the import of animal products and by-products such as:

  • meat and poultry products
  • milk products
  • egg products
  • pet food and chews
  • hides and skins, feathers, and wool
  • hunting trophies
  • rendered products
  • honey and other bee products
  • laboratory samples

and provides expanded information about:

  • product coding and declaration
  • zoosanitary certificates
  • case-by-case reviews
  • transshipment
  • end uses
  • non-resident importers
  • approved rendering systems

The policy is not intended to provide country-specific import conditions. For specific conditions, please visit the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).

Animal Feed – Policy and Procedures Updates

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published updates to Regulatory Guidance 1 (RG-1) for livestock feed submissions. These updates align with the Feeds Act and the Feeds Regulations, 2024, and replace the previous versions of :

  • RG-1 Introduction – Regulated livestock feeds in Canada
  • RG-1 Chapter 1 – Guidance on preparing and submitting a My CFIA application for livestock feed

The following guidance has been incorporated, without any changes, into RG-1 as chapter 9:

  • RG-1 Chapter 9 – Feed approval or registration requirements for the acceptance of a foreign approval/authorization

In addition, the how to apply pages have been updated:

  • Apply for feed approval or registration
  • Apply for a research approval
  • Apply for a data review or opinion

The updated guidance:

  • Aligns with the Canadian Feed Ingredients Table (CFIT), which replaces Schedules IV and V
  • Provides clearer instructions on how to determine whether your product is regulated, and if so, how to prepare and submit an application
  • Offers tips and examples to help ensure complete and accurate submissions

These updates are intended to support predictability, consistency, and efficiency in the approval and registration process. Applicants are encouraged to review the revised guidance before submitting an application.

Animal Feed – Policy and Procedure Updates

Please be advised that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Compendium of Non-Feed Products (CNFP).

Quality of Canadian canola

The Canadian Grain Commission's (CGC) full report presents harvest quality data for Canadian canola grown in 2025. Canola samples were submitted to the CGC’s Harvest Sample Program by producers and grain companies. Quality data are compiled from the results of analytical tests performed by the Oilseeds program staff from the Grain Research Laboratory. Read the report

Crop Reporting Program kicks off for the 2026 growing season

Starting this May, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, in collaboration with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen, will launch the 2026 Alberta Crop Reporting program. The program, which runs from May until the end of harvest in October or November, captures timely information related to crop production in Alberta during the current crop season. Read the article

How supply and demand drives production and marketing decisions

Supply and demand dynamics are ever-present and changing, but you can use them to achieve higher profits. The foundation of earning profit through supply and demand is to make the right decisions about what to grow and when to sell it. Continue reading

Eight Key Grazing Management Facts to Consider as You Plan for the Upcoming Season

Effective grazing management is one of the most powerful tools beef producers can use to enhance cattle performance, improve pasture productivity and support the long-term sustainability of your pastures and your operation. Whether you are refining an existing grazing plan or building one from the ground up, these grazing management facts can help you get the most out of every acre. Read more here.

Pea leaf weevil and wheat midge field scouting

The Alberta Insect Pest Monitoring Network is getting ready for the 2026 insect field surveys. If you have field peas or wheat in 2026, contact us to add your field to the pea leaf weevil or wheat midge survey. Surveyors let you know what we find, always wear booties, never drive in fields and only take notch counts and a few soil cores. We sometimes even pick up roadside litter.

Contact Bugs.r.us@gov.ab.ca | Check out last year’s survey findings for more information.

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

FCC On-Demand Virtual Events
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) events
Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab events, virtual
AgSafe Alberta’s paid courses are FREE until May 31, 2026, using Promo Code SAFESTART26!

Learn about on-farm trials | Watch the webinar

Connecting Women in Agriculture virtual series | Watch now

Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit Part 2 | Watch the replay

Pesticide applicator workshop videos | Watch the videos

EFP Workshops | Virtual | May 20 | June 10 | June 26

Annual National Agriculture and Food Workforce Summit | Calgary | June 10-11

23rd Annual Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women | Cassils Community Centre Near Brooks | July 22-23

Alberta Open Farm Days - Learn more and get ready! | August 15-16

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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