Agriculture is not just an industry in Southeast Alberta - it is a cornerstone of our economy, communities, supply chains, and way of life. From primary production and food processing to transportation, equipment, research, and agribusiness services, agriculture supports thousands of jobs and drives economic activity across our region.

That is why the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is closely following the development of Canada's Next Agricultural Policy Framework (2028-2033), the federal-provincial-territorial agreement that will guide agricultural investments, programs, and priorities for the next five years. The framework will replace the current Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and help shape how governments support producers, processors, and agricultural businesses across the country. 

Recently, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce submitted recommendations to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as part of the federal consultation process. The submission emphasizes improving competitiveness, strengthening business resiliency, encouraging innovation, reducing regulatory burdens, addressing workforce challenges, and ensuring Canadian agriculture remains globally competitive. 

Strong Alignment with Southeast Alberta Advocacy Priorities

Many of the priorities being advanced nationally closely align with advocacy efforts already underway at the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. Over the past several years, we have consistently advocated for:

• Modernized Business Risk Management (BRM) programs
• Increased support for crop and livestock insurance
• Improved AgriStability programming
• Reduced barriers to interprovincial trade
• Enhanced agricultural literacy and public trust initiatives
• Stronger market access opportunities for producers
• Increased investment in agricultural research and innovation
• A competitive regulatory environment that supports growth and investment

These priorities are reflected throughout our policy resolutions, government submissions, and ongoing discussions with elected officials and public servants.  In particular, the Chamber has already provided it's submission to the Agriculture and Agrifood Committee as a key advocacy priority. In recent correspondence with government representatives, we emphasized the importance of ensuring Alberta producers and agribusinesses are well represented as federal consultations advance and that future programming reflects the realities facing agricultural regions like Southeast Alberta. 

Why This Matters for Southeast Alberta

1. Improving Risk Management in an Era of Uncertainty

Farmers and ranchers face growing challenges from weather extremes, global market volatility, input costs, trade disruptions, and supply chain pressures. 

The Chamber has repeatedly called for stronger Business Risk Management programs, including improvements to AgriStability and enhanced livestock risk management tools. Our advocacy recognizes that when producers have confidence in risk management programs, they are more likely to invest, innovate, and plan for long-term growth. A stronger Next Agricultural Policy Framework presents an opportunity to modernize these programs and ensure they better reflect today's operating environment.

2. Supporting Trade and Market Access

Southeast Alberta is home to a significant export-oriented agriculture sector. Whether it is beef, grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, or value-added food products, our region depends on efficient access to domestic and international markets.

The Chamber has been actively advocating for reduced interprovincial trade barriers and exploring practical solutions to livestock processing and interprovincial trade. We have worked with producers, industry groups, processors, and government officials to identify ways to improve market access and reduce unnecessary regulatory obstacles. 

National discussions on competitiveness and trade align closely with our ongoing efforts to ensure producers and processors can move products more efficiently and access new markets.

3. Investing in Innovation and Research

Agricultural innovation has long been one of Southeast Alberta's strengths.

Following the closure of regional research facilities, local stakeholders have worked to maintain agricultural research capacity and strengthen partnerships between industry, educational institutions, and government. The Chamber has consistently advocated for increased investment in agricultural research, commercialization, and innovation. 

As governments begin designing the next policy framework, continued support for research and innovation will be critical to maintaining productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness.

4. Building Public Trust in Agriculture

Producers continually are being asked to demonstrate environmental stewardship, sustainability practices, animal care standards, and food safety measures to consumers who may have limited direct connection to farming.

The Southeast Alberta Chamber has advocated for policy recommendations calling for a national public education strategy, enhanced agricultural literacy initiatives, and expansion of Canada's agricultural branding efforts. These recommendations specifically encourage governments to use the Next Agricultural Policy Framework as a vehicle to strengthen public trust and improve understanding of modern agriculture. 

Public confidence matters. Better understanding leads to better policy decisions, stronger consumer support, and greater recognition of the sector's contributions to Canada's economy and food security.

Looking Ahead

The agricultural landscape is evolving rapidly. Global competition, climate pressures, workforce shortages, technological change, and shifting consumer expectations are creating both challenges and opportunities.

The development of Canada's Next Agricultural Policy Framework represents an important opportunity to ensure policies and programs remain aligned with the realities faced by producers and agribusinesses in regions like Southeast Alberta. 

The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce will continue working with producers, industry associations, governments, and the Canadian Chamber network to advocate for policies that strengthen competitiveness, encourage innovation, improve risk management, expand market access, and ensure long-term success for one of our region's most important economic sectors.

As consultations continue, we encourage agricultural businesses throughout Southeast Alberta to share their perspectives and participate in shaping the future of Canadian agriculture. The decisions made today will influence the industry's success for years to come.

Advocacy in Action

The Southeast Alberta Chamber's current agriculture-related advocacy priorities include:

• Improving Business Risk Management programs and AgriStability.
• Enhancing crop and livestock insurance options.
• Reducing interprovincial trade barriers.
• Supporting agricultural research and innovation.
• Expanding agricultural literacy and public trust initiatives.
• Strengthening Canada's "Canada Brand" and "Grown in Canada" recognition.
• Supporting value-added agriculture and food processing opportunities.
• Improving competitiveness and market access for producers and processors. 

Together, these priorities help ensure Southeast Alberta remains a leader in agricultural production, innovation, and economic growth.

Our Written Submission to the Public Consultation on the Next Agricultural Policy Framework

International instability and rising food costs are refocusing our attention on domestic food security.