Skip to content

Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: August 2025

Back to Agriculture Updates

Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: August 2025

Agriculture Updates since July 2025

Headlines

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture meet to help strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the sector

Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture met in July to discuss ways to support a more resilient and competitive agriculture sector and food supply chains that make up Canada’s agri-food landscape. Ministers discussed possible measures to support the hard-working producers and processors across Canada to address the emerging challenges related to international trade and the potential opportunities that could be created by increased interprovincial trade.

Ministers reiterated their commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of business risk management (BRM) programs, including changes to AgriStability; and are also working together to increase interprovincial trade of food. Ministers highlighted the critical importance of joint efforts across governments to maintain, expand and diversify international market access. The annual conference of FPT Ministers of Agriculture will take place in-person in Winnipeg September 7-9, 2025. More information

New guidelines aim to protect Alberta’s agricultural land amid renewable energy growth

On June 8, 2025, Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation released new guidelines to support the Electric Energy Land Use and Visual Assessment Regulation, which came into effect on December 6, 2024. These guidelines are designed to help mitigate the impact of renewable energy developments—such as wind and solar—on Alberta’s high-quality agricultural land.

What the Regulation Covers

  • defines high-quality agricultural land
  • outlines when coexistence is required (i.e., when energy and agriculture must operate on the same land)
  • sets expectations for productivity reporting
  • allows the Alberta Utilities Commission to request irrigability assessments in certain cases

What the Guidelines Add: The new guidelines:

  • clarify regulatory requirements and how to meet them
  • expand on the concept of coexistence and practical ways to achieve it
  • explain how yield calculations are determined to attain productivity goals 
  • outline when and how irrigability assessments should be conducted
  • share best management practices for minimizing the impact of wind and solar development on farmland

These guidelines are intended to support landowners, municipalities, and renewable energy developers as they navigate the application process for energy projects on agricultural land. They will be updated periodically as new information becomes available.

Guidelines to evaluate agricultural land for renewable generation

Alberta modernizes ag legislation to support growth and innovation

The Government of Alberta has enacted legislative changes through Bill 44, amending the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) and two of its associated regulations. These updates, which came into effect on June 23, 2025, aim to reduce regulatory barriers, encourage innovation, and promote environmentally responsible practices in agriculture — particularly the management of manure, agricultural processing by-products and compost, and biogas production. Find out more. In addition, the Government is eliminating 28.5 per cent of regulations for agricultural marketing boards and commissions, including redundant rules that overlap with existing requirements. Learn more.

RDAR boosts national on-farm information delivery in new partnership with FCC

RDAR has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) to work together in delivering faster, smarter on-farm support to Canadian producers through Root - a free generative AI tool created by FCC.

Root is designed to close critical information gaps and provide users fast, reliable support anytime, anywhere, helping them work more productively to make better decisions on the farm; with the new collaboration set to expand Root’s capabilities, strengthening its capacity to serve Canada’s ag and food industry. The partnership will connect Root to relevant data sources and support testing efforts to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of Canadian producers, creating an alliance that will foster innovative solutions for the agricultural sector. More information

Growing and diversifying ag research

Agriculture research is essential to helping one of Alberta’s longest-lasting and largest sectors remain strong and continue to grow.

Alberta’s agriculture sector has a well-earned reputation for making the world’s best agri-food products, from high-quality honey to top-shelf triticale. That reputation is owed in part to innovative research the province’s two crop diversification centres (CDC) have been conducting for decades, that directly benefits farmers.

With that in mind, Budget 2025 earmarked a total of $5.2 million for repairs, upgrades, replacements and operational support at both CDC North in northeast Edmonton and CDC South, southeast of Brooks. Read more

Funding Resources

Now Seeking Nominations for the Wilson Loree Award

Farm Management Canada is seeking to honour individuals or groups with the 2025 Wilson Loree Award. This prestigious award was established over twenty years ago, to honour those who have made an extraordinary contribution to developing and promoting new and positive change in farm business management practices and expertise in Canada. Submit your nomination by October 3rd. Visit www.FMC-GAC.com for more information on the Award and the Conference. Click here to access the 2025 Wilson Loree Nomination form.

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has adjusted the low yield allowance

The 2025 crop year continues to be challenging in some regions of Alberta. Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has adjusted the low yield allowance, enabling farmers to salvage crops for livestock feed in an effort to reduce producers’ feed-related costs. Producers should contact AFSC at least five days in advance of harvesting to share details about their situation and find out how best to proceed. AFSC will work with clients to complete a field inspection as soon as possible. This change means that if the appraised yield falls below the established threshold level, AFSC can reduce the appraisal to zero, based on information gathered by the adjuster during the inspection. The appraised yield of the crop will be used in the calculation of any subsequent indemnities. Find out more.

Sustainability Incentive Program

Innovative producers are key to growing a more sustainable future for agriculture, and these changes require research, time and capital. Working with industry partners, an incentive program is now open to eligible customers who meet sustainability program requirements. Payments are calculated as a portion of your lending with FCC. Per eligible program, you could receive one payment per year, up to a maximum of $4,000. You can also reapply annually throughout the life of the program. Find out more.

Debt-to-equity ratio: Leverage assets for farm financial fitness

Canadian producers put equity to good use. Here’s a look at how debt can leverage agricultural assets as you manage your farm financial fitness. Find out more.

Innovative farming has its rewards

See what’s new for the FCC Sustainability Incentive Program. Payments are calculated as a portion of your lending with FCC. Per eligible program, you could receive one payment per year, up to a maximum of $4,000. You can also reapply annually throughout the life of the program. Find out more.

Cultivate financial literacy and boost farm resilience

Financial planning professionals spend years acquiring the experience and skills to do their jobs effectively. This is a level of training most people do not have, but that does not mean financial literacy is unattainable.

By improving your financial capability, you can foster stronger, more strategic conversations with stakeholders and advisors.

It will also equip you with essential tools to navigate your business effectively. Understanding financial management will empower you to speak the language of your advisors, ensuring clearer communication and more productive consultations. Continue reading

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Have 15 Minutes? Make an Impact on the Future of Beef Research

As a cattle producer or participant in the Canadian beef industry, the BCRC is interested in your perspective on which issues most affect the sustainability and competitiveness of your operation and the Canadian beef industry.  

When you answer these 14 questions by September 4, you will inform the next five-year Canadian Beef Research and Knowledge Mobilization Strategy and impact the long-term competitiveness of the Canadian beef industry. 

Did you know? Spray drones are not currently permitted for field crop applications of pesticides

While drone technology is advancing quickly, drones cannot yet be used to apply pesticides on field crops in Canada. According to Health Canada, drone application can only appear on product labels once the risks and value have been considered and determined to be acceptable. Until pesticide labels are updated to specifically allow drone applications on field crops, spray drones are not recognized as an acceptable application method.

If a product is approved for aerial application, that does not automatically mean it can be applied by drone. Approval for fixed-wing or helicopter application does not include spray drones. Using a spray drone without label approval is considered off-label use, which is illegal and may lead to enforcement actions. More information. Is this a concern for you? Let us know by emailing us at policy@southeastalbertachamber.ca. 

Immigration Levels Plan - share your feedback 

The Government of Canada is seeking feedback on its Immigration Levels Plan, which sets annual targets for permanent resident admissions by category. Input is now being gathered on how to balance these categories and programs to ensure immigration supports Canada’s economic, social, and regional priorities. Share your feedback 

Working together to promote 4R practices to farmers 

Fertilizer Canada and Alberta Grains have developed a 4R memorandum of understanding (MOU) that outlines how Agriculture and Irrigation, the agriculture industry and farmers can work together to bolster data collection and communication to increase 4R practice adoption levels. The MOU, a three-year agreement, was signed by Agriculture and Irrigation, Environment and Protected Areas, Alberta Grains and Fertilizer Canada.

The objectives of the MOU are to improve production and environmental stewardship through greater awareness of 4R practices and principles. It also aims to establish mechanisms to pursue common objectives and priorities related to soil health/quality and nutrient management, and to support the Alberta government's commitments to the crop industry’s sustainable growth. Find out more.

Welcomed precipitation spurs significant crop growth

Provincial ratings for major crop conditions improved by 5 per cent this week, driven by improvements in the Central, North East, and North West regions. Provincial major crops good to excellent rating of 65 per cent is ahead of the 5-year average of 63 per cent and in line with the 10-year average of 65 per cent. Find out more.

Unmarked potential: Consulting on fuel tax rules

The province is consulting marked fuel sellers and purchasers on a proposal to phase out marked fuel and move the tax exemption to clear fuel. The engagement runs until August 31 and stakeholders can provide their views through an online survey.

Recommendations based on stakeholder input will be provided to the government this fall for consideration.

Marked fuel engagement website | Explainer video on marked fuel engagement

Agricultural plastics management engagement

Agricultural plastics producers, agricultural service boards, agricultural commodity groups, agricultural producers (farmers and ranchers), municipalities and waste management and recycling organizations can complete an online survey by September 12 to share input on using a regulatory approach for managing agricultural plastics waste including:

  • types of agricultural plastics to include
  • clarifying the description of the obligated plastics producer
  • material recovery rate targets
  • service standards for material collection

Take the survey | Learn more

Take care of you

Use our mental health self-check tool to better understand how you’re feeling. Try it now

What's your vision for the food industry?

Shape the future of Canadian food with FCC Vision. We invite you to share your opinions and feedback to help shape the future of agriculture and food in Canada. Your insights on industry topics are invaluable, whether you are a customer of FCC or not. Answer surveys, earn points. It’s an easy way to have your say. Join now

Better business plans start here

Find free tools to create a business plan tailored to your food and beverage business. A business plan is like a road map. It helps you define your operation’s core objectives and build a detailed plan for how to achieve them. Download now

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

Manage Your Farm Finances

Trusting your gut is good - knowing your numbers is better. FCC and experienced advisors from BDO Canada have collaborated to present Manage Your Farm Finances, a free online course series designed for Canadian agricultural producers. Learn more about the series here

Economic Update  

Understanding today’s economic environment. Navigating today’s economic environment. This year has been impacted with tariffs and global uncertainty. Join the FCC Economics team for this virtual event where they’ll review the current economic and financial variables important for farm operations, food and beverage processors and agribusinesses for 2025. Learn insights of what to expect going forward and have your questions answered. Learn more and register here

Trade Mission - Food Tech Summit & Expo

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) is inviting export-ready suppliers of food ingredients to participate in a trade mission to Mexico from October 6-10, 2025 (inclusive of travel) to attend the Food Tech Summit & Expo. This is the largest food ingredients trade show in Latin America featuring 500+ exhibitors and 20,000+ visitors with more than 80 per cent of last year's attendees belonging to middle/upper management levels.

For more information or to register, contact Meghan Horosko, Senior Trade Development Officer at meghan.horosko@gov.ab.ca or Diana de la Huerta, Senior Business Development Officer at diana.delahuerta@international.gc.ca.

BDC: Business strategies to overcome uncertainty - on demand webinar

Tariffs and their repercussions are transforming our economy at a historic speed. What can you do to navigate these changes and their economic fallout while finding opportunities?

Join BDC's Chief Economist Pierre Cleroux and a panel of experts as they deliver an economic update and insights that will help you navigate this rapidly changing trade and economic landscape.

  • Hear from BDC's Chief Economist to get up-to-date economic information and understand how changing global trade patterns could impact the Canadian economy.
  • Discover practical advice to help your business sustain, stabilize and seize opportunities that can emerge from times of uncertainty.
  • Learn from experts who have helped countless entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses successfully.

Watch the on-demand webinar

MDC: Unlock tomorrow's business trends to fast-track your growth

Future success of a business depends on the actions taken today. Business trends are changing fast and entrepreneurs must adapt to an unpredictable environment.

Join BDC's Chief Economist Pierre Cleroux and a panel of experts as they present an economic update and insights on the major trends shaping Canada's rapidly evolving business landscape.

 Access this on-demand webinar

EFP workshops

Did you know you can complete your EFP online in your own time, or you can choose to attend an EFP Workshop? The workshops give you time to work on your EFP with in-person guidance from EFP technicians. Many participants find completing the workbook easier with the support of an EFP technician.

If you are interested in attending a workshop, but do not see one listed for your region, contact your EFP technician or the ARECA office to request a workshop in your region. Learn more and register for a virtual workshop now.

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.

Powered By GrowthZone