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As of February 4, 2025, the United States and Canada have agreed to a 30-day suspension of the impending 25% tariffs on each other's imports, following discussions between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This pause is intended to allow time for finalizing a border security arrangement.
Products Affected:
The proposed U.S. tariffs targeted a broad range of Canadian imports, including:
Products Affected:
The proposed U.S. tariffs targeted a broad range of Canadian imports, including:
- Agricultural products (e.g., avocados, tomatoes)
- Beverages (e.g., beer)
- Energy products (e.g., oil, natural gas)
- Automobiles and parts
- Electronics
- Consumer goods (e.g., clothing, construction materials)
In response, Canada planned to impose 25% tariffs on various U.S. goods, including:
- Lumber
- Plastics
- Vegetables
- Consumer goods (e.g., alcohol, appliances, furniture)
Impact on Consumers and Agriculture:
If implemented, these tariffs are expected to lead to higher prices for consumers in both countries. In the U.S., goods such as avocados, tomatoes, and beer may become more expensive due to increased import costs. In Canada, retaliatory tariffs could raise prices on imported U.S. goods, including fruits, vegetables, and seafood. globalnews.ca
The agricultural sectors in both countries could face significant challenges. Canadian producers may encounter increased costs and market volatility due to U.S. tariffs, complicating business planning and investments. In the U.S., higher tariffs on Canadian agricultural imports could lead to increased prices for American consumers and potential supply chain disruptions. globalnews.ca
Retail Preparedness:
Retailers have been preparing for potential tariffs by employing strategies such as:
- Tariff engineering
- AI-driven inventory optimization
- Reevaluating supplier arrangements
However, smaller companies may struggle due to limited domestic manufacturing options and increased costs. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs poses challenges for supply chain management and pricing strategies across the retail sector. voguebusiness.com
The 30-day suspension provides a window for negotiations to potentially avert these economic impacts.
Here’s a list of notable Canadian food companies across various sectors:
Major Food Producers & Processors
Maple Leaf Foods (Meat, plant-based proteins)
- McCain Foods (Frozen foods, primarily french fries)
- Saputo Inc. (Dairy products)
- Agropur (Dairy cooperative)
- Lassonde Industries (Juices and beverages)
- Olymel (Pork and poultry processing)
Packaged & Consumer Goods
- Burnbrae Farms (Eggs and egg products)
- Purdy’s Chocolatier (Confectionery)
- Hershey Canada (Canadian branch of Hershey’s)
- Kraft Heinz Canada (Packaged foods)
- PepsiCo Foods Canada (Snack foods like Lay’s and Quaker)
Beverage Companies
- Molson Coors Canada (Beer and alcoholic beverages)
- Sleeman Breweries (Beer)
- Tim Hortons (Coffee and baked goods)
- Club Coffee (Private-label coffee)
Grocery & Retail Food Brands
- Loblaw Companies Limited (President’s Choice, No Name)
- Metro Inc. (Private label brands like Irresistibles)
- Sobeys Inc. (Compliments brand)
Specialty & Health Foods
- SunOpta (Organic and natural foods)
- GreenSpace Brands (Organic and plant-based foods)
- Daiya Foods (Plant-based cheese and dairy alternatives)
Buying Canadian Food
If you want to avoid buying non-Canadian food products, here are some key strategies to help you shop locally and support Canadian farmers and food producers:
1. Check the Label for “Product of Canada” or “Made in Canada”
- “Product of Canada”: At least 98% of ingredients are sourced from Canada, and it is processed here.
- “Made in Canada”: The product was manufactured in Canada but may contain imported ingredients.
2. Look for Canadian Brands & Logos
- Many Canadian food products display the Canada Organic logo or the “Canadian Food Inspection Agency” (CFIA) certification.
- Some provinces have specific labels, such as:
- Aliments du Québec (Quebec)
- Ontario Made (Ontario)
- Buy BC (British Columbia)
3. Shop at Local Farmers’ Markets & Co-ops
- Buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farmers.
- Check for Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs that deliver local farm produce to your door.
4. Choose Canadian Grocery Chains & Private Label Brands
- Loblaw (President’s Choice, No Name)
- Metro (Irresistibles, Selection)
- Sobeys (Compliments)
- Co-op stores
5. Read the Fine Print on Processed Foods
- Ingredients may come from multiple countries even if a product is processed in Canada.
- Look at the country of origin on packaging (often in small print).
6. Buy Direct from Canadian Food Producers
- Order from Canadian farms or food manufacturers online.
- Support Canadian dairy (e.g., Dairy Farmers of Canada logo) and meat products labeled as raised in Canada.
7. Be Aware of Imports & Commonly Non-Canadian Products
- Many fruits & vegetables (e.g., bananas, oranges) are imported. Look for local apples, berries, potatoes, etc.
- Dairy and eggs are often Canadian, but some yogurt, cheese, and butter brands may use imported ingredients.
- Seafood: Opt for Atlantic or Pacific Canadian seafood instead of imported fish.
🇨🇦This week brings several significant updates that could impact Canadians both domestically and internationally:
🔹 US-Canada Tariffs on Hold: A 30-day suspension of the proposed 25% tariffs allows room for further negotiations, potentially preventing price increases on goods like food, energy, and consumer products.
🔹 Retail & Agriculture Impact: Businesses and farmers are closely watching trade talks as potential tariffs could disrupt supply chains and drive up costs for both industries.
🔹 Economic & Policy Updates: Key reports and decisions are expected this week that could shape Canada’s financial markets, energy sector, and international trade strategy.
As these stories unfold, staying informed is crucial. How do you see these developments affecting your industry? Let’s discuss. 👇
#Canada #Trade #Economy #Policy #USCanadaRelations
This week, Canadian agriculture is significantly impacted by the recent U.S. announcement of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, including key agricultural products such as piglets and various crops. In response, Canadian farmers are adjusting their sales strategies, renegotiating contracts with U.S. buyers, and seeking alternative domestic markets to mitigate potential economic impacts. reuters.com
The Fertilizer Institute has expressed concerns that these tariffs could have "significant ripple effects" throughout the food supply chain, potentially affecting input costs for farmers and leading to higher prices for consumers. agweek.com
Farm groups have also warned that the tariffs may increase costs for farmers and families on both sides of the border, given the substantial trade in grains and other agricultural products between Canada and the U.S. panow.com
In other news, Canada has approved the $34 billion merger between U.S. grains merchant Bunge and Glencore-backed Viterra, with conditions. The approval requires Bunge to divest six grain elevators in Western Canada and invest at least C$520 million in the country over the next five years. This merger is expected to create a global crops trading and processing giant, with the deal anticipated to close in early 2025. reuters.com
On February 3, 2025, Nutrien announced a $15 million donation to the University of Saskatchewan (USask), marking a significant contribution to the university's "Be What the World Needs" campaign.
Allocation of Funds:
College of Agriculture and Bioresources: A portion of the donation will support initiatives within this college, enhancing research and educational programs.
College of Engineering: Another portion is designated for the College of Engineering, aiming to advance engineering education and innovation.
This donation brings Nutrien's total contributions to USask to over $50 million, reinforcing its status as the university's largest corporate donor. cjme.com
The "Be What the World Needs" campaign is USask's ambitious initiative to raise $500 million, focusing on addressing global challenges through education and research. news.usask.ca
Nutrien's ongoing support underscores its commitment to fostering education and innovation in Saskatchewan, benefiting both the university community and the broader region.
As of February 4, 2025, Canadians are experiencing typical winter conditions, with cold temperatures and significant snowfall across various regions.
Groundhog Day Predictions:
On February 2, 2025, during the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow, indicating a prediction of six more weeks of winter. apnews.com
In Canada, regional groundhog predictions varied. For instance, Alberta's Balzac Billy predicted an early spring. theweathernetwork.com
Impact on Crop Production:
The current cold and snowy conditions are typical for Canadian winters and are generally factored into agricultural planning. While it's too early to make definitive predictions for spring crop production, the snowpack can be beneficial, providing essential moisture for soil as it melts. However, prolonged cold or unexpected weather events could delay planting or affect early crop development. Farmers will continue to monitor weather patterns closely as the season progresses to make informed decisions about planting and crop management.
Overall, while winter conditions persist, the agricultural sector remains vigilant, adapting to weather developments to ensure optimal crop outcomes in the upcoming spring.
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Old News Worth Reading
2021
Policy Brief on Glyphosate and Herbicide Tolerant Crops
July 27, 2021
As part of Dr. Smyth’s Research Chair, his research team and Masters Student, Chelsea Sutherland, have surveyed more than a hundred Saskatchewan farmers, and have inquired on the contribution of beneficial technologies, such as GMHT crops and glyphosate, to sustainable adoptions. Check out Dr. Smyth and team’s policy brief here.
Policy Brief on Quantifying Saskatchewan’s Crop Production Soil Carbon
July 13, 2021
As part of Dr. Smyth’s Research Chair, his research team and Masters Student, Chelsea Sutherland, have quantified the provinces crop production soil carbon from the early 90s to now. Check out Dr. Smyth and team’s policy brief here.
2018/19
Newsweek Article – Stuart Smyth & Henry Miller
March 28, 2019
Newsweek has published the opinion piece “Monsanto, Roundup and Cancer: Cutting chemicals from agriculture is a cost we can’t et afford” by Stuart J. Smyth and Henry I Miller. Their article shares why they think we still need glyphosate (Roundup®), and why we can’t just toss it out from agricultural production so hastily.
Check out their article at Newsweek.
Governance of Digital Sequence Information and Impacts For Access and Benefit Sharing
SEPT 18, 2018: THE AGENDA WITH STEVE PAIKIN
Dr. Smyth was fortunate enough to partake in TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin to discuss “Agricultural Biotech at Home and Abroad” with Crystal Mackay from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, Lucy Sharratt of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), and Ian Affleck from Croplife Canada.
Episode 26: Greenpeace on Trial: Dr. Stuart Smyth
June 4, 2018
Check out Cameron English’s podcast below with guest Dr. Smyth on the success of the Greenpeace student trials.
You can find the full write-up on the podcast along with more of Cameron’s blogs here.
Indicting Greenpeace for Crimes Against Agriculture 2018
Indicting Greenpeace for Crimes Against Agriculture
In “Indicting Greenpeace for Crimes Against Agriculture” Stuart promised to make his student’s mock trial debates available online. Each student group were randomly assigned a statement and the responsibility to either defend or prosecute in a live trial.
The students in this debate statement may be defending and prosecuting statements that do not align with their personal views and this should be taken into consideration when viewing this debate.
The trials will continue 8:30 am CST live on Facebook on November 23, 28 and 30, 2017. The student jury will present their verdicts on December 5th and can be viewed along with the other debate videos.
Tuesday November 21st: Day 1 of the Crimes Against Agriculture
Thursday November 23rd: Day 2 of the Crimes Against Agriculture
Tuesday, November 28th: Day 3 of the Crimes Against Agriculture
Thursday, November 30th: Day 4 of the Crimes Against Agriculture
…. Tuesday, December 5th: Jury Verdicts of the Crimes Against Agriculture
Live 8:30 am CST Live on Facebook