Grain Growers of Canada warns U.S. tariffs threaten farmers, raise food costs

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is urging the federal government to push back against the United States’ decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian grain and grain products, saying the move threatens family-run farms and could drive up food costs.

“Tariffs of this magnitude will put family-run grain farms at risk by introducing widespread market uncertainty,” said Kyle Larkin, GGC’s executive director.

The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner for grain, with exports exceeding $17 billion annually. Larkin said the tariffs jeopardize that relationship and create financial hardship for farmers already struggling with rising costs and regulatory burdens.

“As price takers, grain farmers are at the whim of the global markets that we export to,” said GGC chair Tara Sawyer, an Alberta grain farmer. “Margins are already razor-thin, and an added financial burden like this could put the future of many family farms in jeopardy.”

Larkin warned the tariffs could also have consequences for American consumers.

“A 25 per cent tariff on Canadian grain and grain products is in effect a 25 per cent tax on American consumers who purchase groceries every day,” he said.

GGC is calling on Ottawa to take action to eliminate the tariffs, saying they will create uncertainty for farmers and increase grocery prices for both Canadian and American consumers.