- High fuel prices and uncertainty about reopening trade agreements are affecting farmers more than the threat of U.S. tariffs.
- Farmers like John McCart and Martin Caron are less concerned about tariffs and more focused on maintaining supply management and the general uncertainty from trade negotiations.
- Bob Rafuse notes that Canada signed CETA with the EU in Oct. 30, 2016, while Trump signed the USMCA in Sept. 30, 2018, and suggests Trump “had almost two years and still wasn’t able to negotiate a better deal than the EU.”
- Barker declares, “I can reassure Canadian dairy farmers that I will not buy American dairy products under any circumstances.”
- Ben Nichols emphasizes that rising fuel prices are a major annoyance because energy is needed for production, affecting overall costs.
- Caron states that tariffs and countermeasures increase costs as most farm equipment is U.S.-made, and the integrated systems mean uncertainty hurts both countries.
- Dave Barker states he has stopped buying American wine, produce, and avoids Walmart and Costco, and bought a made-in-Canada Honda.
- Barker adds a corollary: “if American dairy is so much cheaper for people who really can’t afford Canadian dairy, then supply management is likely not serving the general public.”
Canadian farmers are increasingly worried about the uncertainty surrounding trade agreements rather than the recent U.S. tariff threats. Farmers like Ben Nichols highlight that rising fuel prices are impacting their operations more significantly than potential tariffs.1278
"What is most annoying right now is fuel prices, because it takes energy to make product," Nichols stated, emphasizing that increased energy costs lead to higher overall production expenses.
McCart, another dairy farmer, noted that most Canadian dairy products are sold domestically, making the tariff threat less significant. He added that the uncertainty surrounding trade agreements poses a greater risk, as U.S. sales represent a small fraction of their output.
“Uncertainty is bad for us, but also for our neighbours to the south because our systems are so integrated at this point,” he explained.
The recent threats from President Trump to impose a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods have added to the anxiety, but farmers remain focused on the broader implications of trade negotiations.
One consumer has taken a strong stance, declaring, “I will not buy American dairy products under any circumstances,” reflecting a growing sentiment among Canadians to support local products amidst trade tensions.
As the agriculture industry navigates these challenges, the focus remains on maintaining supply management and addressing the rising costs of production, which are seen as more detrimental than tariff threats.34
“Rising fuel prices are impacting dairy farmers significantly, with Ben Nichols saying 'when the price of energy goes up, the price of everything goes up.' A reader also questioned supply management's effectiveness if American dairy is cheaper, suggesting it may not serve the public.”
The Globe and Mail
