Emokhare Paul Anthony
Daily Herald
Increased access to Advance Payment Programs, improved grain transportation, and a promise to not increase taxes on producers are among the list of campaign promises the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is looking for in this election.
In March, the organization released a 16 page report called ‘Unleashing Agriculture for Canada’s Growth’ that outlined APAS’ priorities for the 2025 federal election.
APAS president Bill Prybylski said the agenda outlines a set of priorities designed to solidify the agriculture sector’s future prosperity amid a fluctuating global trade climate.
“Through the execution of these priorities, APAS envisions a transformative growth path for Canadian agriculture, ensuring the sector remains at the forefront of the national economy while navigating international trade complexities,” reads the APAS press release.
In an interview with the Herald, Prybylski said enhancing Advance Payment Programs would help Saskatchewan producers get their crop in the ground without having to sell canola at reduced prices.
On March 8, China placed a 100 per cent tariff on canola oil and meal, among tariffs on other agricultural products like pork. In 2024, Saskatchewan farmers exported $920 million in canola meal and $20 million in canola oil to China.
Prybylski said grain transportation is also a major concern. APAS would like a commitment from the next federal government to work towards better infrastructure, which could improve grain movement.
Prybylski added that the removal of the Carbon Tax was a big benefit for farmers, but APAS wants assurances it won’t come back. The organization also wants a commitment to no new taxes from whichever party forms the next government.
While all three issues are important for producers, Prybylski said U.S. tariff talks dominated headlines and campaign literature early in the election. As Canadian voters prepare to head for the polls, he’s hopeful the Chinese tariffs on canola oil and meal will get more attention.
“Right now, it feels like we as producers are kind of caught in the middle of a political struggle between three countries and we’re the ones who are bearing the brunt of the harm in the trade talks,” Prybylski said.
“It certainly seems like the tariff talks with the United States seem to be top of mind for most federal parties in their speaking points and in their platform. There’s very little mention of China, and that’s a little bit concerning,” he added.
Prybylski said he doesn’t believe Canada can win a tariff war with either country. Ideally, he’d rather see the next Canadian government negotiate instead of trade tariffs.
“The threat of tariffs is one thing, but also the retaliatory tariffs are possibly doing more harm to our producers than the tariffs themselves,” he said. “We would certainly like to see negotiations taking place as soon as possible.”
The federal election is scheduled for April 28.
–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
