.jpg)
Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald recently spent Friday and Saturday touring Saskatchewan.
During his visit, he had an opportunity to talk with producers and stakeholders about key agricultural issues and concerns and the potential opportunities that exist within the industry today and in the future.
Accompanied by Saskatchewan's Minister of Agriculture, Darryl Harrison, MacDonald visited Indian Head, Zehner, Davidson, Regina, and Grey. "It's important for me to be here and start building some relationships within the Prairies," MacDonald stated. "I mean 40 per cent of farming across Canada is in the Prairies, so I felt that it was urgent for me to take a weekend, even when Parliament is open, to ensure that I get out here and get to know some people and hear their concerns.
During his visit, MacDonald met with representatives from various sectors, including dairy farms, beef operations, crop producers, the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association, APAS, SARM, and Saskatchewan Stock Growers, and spent some time on Senator Todd Lewis' farm.
One of the major concerns raised during the discussions was the dry conditions affecting the province. "Everybody's praying for some moisture out here (in the Prairies)," MacDonald acknowledged, highlighting the increasing prevalence of dry conditions over the past few years.
Producers also expressed the need for a more reliable federal tax deferral program to help them manage financial uncertainties caused by adverse weather conditions. MacDonald said that's something to look at noting that he is committed to learning and improving agricultural policies to better support farmers across the country.
Another key issue discussed was trade and the impact of tariffs and the uncertainty they bring to markets, farming decisions, and investments. MacDonald recognized the widespread concern and emphasized the need to address these challenges at every level.
Reflecting on the importance of face-to-face interactions, MacDonald said, "You can sit in the boardroom in Ottawa day after day, but nothing beats being on the ground at the farms, listening to concerns, listening to opportunities, and building relationships.The hospitality I've received from the farmers of Saskatchewan has been exceptional, and I look forward to continuing these relationships."
In his final thoughts, MacDonald noted that he's here to learn and listen. "I'm going to do as much as I can, as fast as I can. I'm going to base some of my decisions on the inputs from farmers across the country."
He notes his overall goal is to strengthen Canada's agriculture sector and ensure that farming remains a priority in Ottawa.
MacDonald says he plans to spend some time in Alberta, possibly during the Stampede, and in Manitoba as well, in the weeks ahead.
The Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Agriculture Ministers' conference was originally scheduled to take place in Winnipeg in July, but it has been changed to a virtual meeting due to the fire situation in Manitoba.
He noted that he spoke with Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn on Thursday, adding that his heart goes out to everyone affected by the fires across Western Canada and Northern Ontario. "Our thoughts are with you, and we will be there for you in the days ahead."
To hear Glenda-Lee's full conversation with Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald click on the link below.