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

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

Agriculture Updates since May 2025

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We started our agriculture newsletter in 2021 as a way to streamline and summarize content applicable to our agriculture sectors. We thought it was a good time to gauge how valuable this is for you based on the time we invest in it for you. Our goal is to take insights from the various newsletters we receive and streamline them into one monthly update. Now we want to hear from you - would you like us to continue providing you with this monthly update? How valuable is the monthly update to you? What is the most valuable content provided in the updates? What kind of content would you like us to focus on? Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey https://forms.office.com/r/Vqdnu6cnEA

Canadian Chamber Agriculture and Agrifood Committee

On May 28th the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, as a member of the Canadian Chamber Agriculture and Agri-food committee, had the opportunity to meet with staff from the Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Key highlights included awareness of the unique alignment on regulatory issues in the ag sector, focused on some of the challenges within CFIA and PMRA, in addition to engaging with stakeholders across Canada. They also acknowledged the importance of diversifying export markets for the ag sector, while investing in infrastructure corridors to meet diversification objectives. There is recognition that government sees this as a time to reset environmental and sustainability policy, aiming for a more centrist approach that balances environmental goals with economic viability.

In addition, the Canadian Chamber Agriculture and Agri-food committee met with the Trade Agreements and Negotiations division at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, highlighting the free trade agreements with Ecuador and Indonesia that are being implemented. There are conversions with the Philippines and the ASEAN bloc, which are critical growth markets for Canadian agri-food. AAFC continues to work closely with the sector to understand the impacts of diminished access to the US market. While approximately 90% of Canada's agri-food exports enter the US duty free, this figure does not account for those affected by tariffs who had to halt exports due to prohibitive costs. They acknowledged the effect that counter-tariffs on US produce and other agricultural products are having on Canadians, in addition to the risk they pose for further retaliatory action by the US. They are working with colleagues in the Department of Finance on constructive solutions. There is also acknowledgment around deepening trade ties with the EU, particularly as it relates to their attempts to impose their regulatory standards on trading partners through practices such as mirror clauses.

The Canadian Chamber continues its advocacy work and will be taking their priorities and agenda forward at the June Chamber North American Economic Security Mission to Washington, D.C.; and the Chamber Calgary Stampede Networking Party

Canadian Beef Research and Knowledge Mobilization Survey

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is in the process of renewing its five-year Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy (Research & Knowledge Mobilization Strategy). This strategy will highlight Canada’s beef research and knowledge mobilization priorities and will be instrumental in guiding industry and government investments at both national and provincial levels across multiple funding agencies. BCRC’s Research & Knowledge Mobilization Strategy will also align with Canada’s National Beef Strategy and the Canadian Beef Advisors' ten-year goals. Take the Survey before September 4. 

Canada's Food System: Our Food. Our Future.

The first 100 days of this initiative, from the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, are focused on building awareness, leading to a longer-term effort to elevate Canada’s food system as a core Canadian value. The goal is to reverse indifference and deepen understanding of the importance of the food system by placing it at the centre of our national identity. Learn more about this initiative.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed in Alberta

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been confirmed to be present in a domestic poultry flock in Alberta. This is the first positive case in Alberta in 2025, and it indicates that HPAI continues to be carried/spread by the migrating bird population, and/or is likely to be present in the environment. Learn more.

Funding Resources

AFSC deadlines

A reminder from AFSC on their June deadlines 

  • June 12 - Livestock Price Insurance - Calf last day to purchase calf insurance for 2025
  • June 20 - Annual Crop Insurance: last day to file Land Reports, and report acres that remain unseeded due to excessive moisture
  • June 25 - Hail Insurance: premiums received by AFSC the later of June 25 or within 15 days of billing date receive an early payment discount
  • June 25 - Perennial Crop Insurance: premiums received by AFSC the later of June 25 or within 15 days of billing date receive an early payment discount
  • June 25 - Annual Crop Insurance: premiums received by AFSC the later of June 25 or within 15 days of billing date receive an early payment discount
  • June 25 - Annual Crop Insurance: last day to file Land Reports (with penalty)
  • June 30 - Bee Overwintering Insurance: last day to apply, make changes, or cancel coverage

FCC Capital announces $2 billion investment into ag and food innovation

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has committed to invest $2 billion by 2030 to advance agtech innovation in Canada’s agriculture and food industry. This will direct more investment into innovative devices, instrumentation, research, and methodologies designed to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability. The funds will come from the organization’s new investment arm, FCC Capital, a group offering capital solutions that catalyze the broader investing ecosystem and bolster growth. Read more

Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency Scholarship

One scholarship of $2000 is available annually 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. Find out more. 

Provincial Incentive Available to Alberta Beef Producers

The Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program enables beef cattle producers access to the Alberta Beef Producers-VBP+ Incentive program to facilitate adoption of best management practices on-farm.  Eligible expenses include:

  • RFID tag-reading equipment
  • Squeeze chutes and animal handling systems
  • Vaccine coolers
  • Remote surveillance for water monitoring
  • And more!

Find full eligibility information, program details and application forms for the Alberta VBP+ Incentive here

Proof-of-Concept Projects and Clinical Trials Call for Proposals Now Open

The Beef Cattle Research Council invites proposals for proof-of-concept projects and clinical trials. The application deadline for this call is July 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM MT.  The BCRC has committed funding to short-term projects in these two areas, with a maximum of $50,000 per project regardless of duration. Project duration should be between six months to one year, unless a clear rationale can be provided demonstrating the need for a longer timeframe.  Apply Now

Trade Disruption Customer Support Program

To support the Canadian agriculture and food industry as tariffs are implemented, FCC is providing $1 billion in new lending to help alleviate financial challenges. The program will help you:

  • Defer principal payments for up to 12 months on existing loans (current customers) ; 
  • Receive access to an additional credit line of up to $500,000, secured by general security agreements or universal movable hypothec (Québec only)  
  • Get additional support with a term loan

Find out more

Labour Resources

Beef Resources for 4-H Leaders

Beef cattle 4-H projects provide youth with opportunities to expand their knowledge of the Canadian beef cattle industry and cattle production while developing leadership skills. Throughout the year, members learn principles of cattle selection and evaluation, nutrition and feeding, health, reproduction, marketing and more. More information.

Agriculture Job Connector: https://www.alberta.ca/agriculture-job-connector.aspx 

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

FCC: Why you need a business plan?

There's a lot involved in writing a business plan, but it’s a worthwhile investment. It can help secure financing from a lender, attract investment or act as an internal guide, keeping your management team focused on the same goals. Find free tools to create a business plan tailored to your food and beverage business.

 2025 Cropping Alternatives (Crop Budget Planning) are Now Available Online

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation has released the 2025 Cropping Alternatives (Crop Budget Planning), which is an essential resource to support farm-level decision-making across the province. The current versions are available for free download. 

Farm Economics – the basics

Learn the core concepts that influence profitability and how they impact your bottom line. Get the guide

Nitrogen Rate of Return Calculator

Alberta Grains wanted a tool to help growers understand the possible economic returns of various nitrogen (N) fertilizers and crop prices. This N Rate Calculator for spring wheat and feed barley, can be used to evaluate different net return per acre scenarios which compare different N sources and costs, various crop prices and soil test N levels. Learn more and check out the calendar.

The Cow-Calf Yardage Calculator

The Cow-Calf Yardage Calculator is designed to help producers estimate their yardage by providing a clear template and streamlining the calculation process. It requires data input on herd size, winter feeding days, whole-farm cash overhead costs and the values of machinery and buildings allocated to the cow-calf winter-feeding period. Read more and check out the calculator.

Rail Safety Tips for Farm Machinery Operators

No matter what type of farm machinery you’re operating, it’s crucial to stay alert around railway crossings. Most farm crossings are passive (they don’t have warning lights, bells, gates or signs), so you have to take extra care to cross safely. Be sure to follow these tips — they could save your life. Find out more

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

The Export Development Canada (EDC) Webinar

In this webinar, Export Development Canada (EDC) offers practical strategies from industry experts to help businesses stay competitive and compliant in an ever-changing international trade landscape. Access the on-demand webinar.

Fully funded digital marketing training

We don't want you to miss your chance to access fully funded digital marketing training (worth $3,999). There are only 20 seats remaining for the final cohort starting on June 16th!

Join Jelly Academy’s fully funded digital marketing skills training through Digital Marketing Skills Canada, thanks to Upskill Canada (Powered by Palette Skills) with the Government of Canada. This training is for professionals in Agriculture, FoodTech and Food Manufacturing. You’ll Learn: Social Media, SEO, Google & Social Ads, Analytics, PR, and Growth Marketing. Secure Your Spot

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Value-Added Grant Program Overview

Are you interested in applying for a Value-Added Program grant but not sure where to start? This upcoming webinar will give you an easy-to-follow overview of everything you need to know, from understanding eligibility to putting together a complete application. In this 1.5-hour session, learn:

•    How to Apply: step-by-step guidance to get started

•    Who Can Apply: understanding eligibility requirements

•    Eligible Activities and Expenses: what qualifies for funding and what does not

Whether you are new to grants or just need a refresher, this session is for you. Participate in this webinar to make the most of your grant application process. Learn more and register for the June 19 webinar

Connecting women in agriculture video series

This five-part video series highlights experts and topics that celebrate women’s contributions to the industry and shares insights to help overcome challenges. Find out more.

Manage your farm finances

Farm Credit Canada and experienced advisors from BDO Canada have collaborated to present Manage Your Farm Finances, a free online course series designed for Canadian agricultural producers. The course is delivered in three parts:

  • understanding your numbers
  • analyzing your statements
  • decision making

Learn more and register

Women in Agriculture | June 25

This virtual, closed-door session will be focused on the Agriculture sector featuring expert talks from later-stage founders, insights from support organizations, and breakout networking with speakers and attendees. Register

BCRC Webinars

Catch up on BCRC webinars anytime! All episodes are now available on-demand — watch them at your convenience on the webinars page. Don’t miss “Record-Keeping for Forage and Grassland Management,” packed with practical tips to help you improve your grazing strategy. 

FCC Protecting yourself from cyber threats

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx and upcoming 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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