Strengthening Cyber Defenses: Protecting Farms in the Digital Age
Tariffs Delayed for Mexico, Canada
U.S. Beef Prices Could Rise as Canada Ranchers Reduce Cattle Herds Is This the End of USMCA?
Canada Beef Steadfast in its Mission Amid U.S. Tariffs
U.S. Tariffs, An Opportunity to Strengthen Canada’s Economy and Business Competitiveness
Kody Blois is Canada’s New Ag Minister U.S. Tariffs, An Opportunity to Strengthen Canada’s Economy and Business Competitiveness
THE BEEF, PORK & POULTRY INDUSTRY DIGITAL MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER
Ray Blumenfeld
ray@meatbusinesspro.com
CO-PUBLISHER
Deb Wilson deborah@meatbusinesspro.com
VP SALES & MARKETING
Murray Hill
murray@meatbusinesspro.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Scott Taylor publishing@meatbusinesspro.com
DIGITAL MEDIA EDITOR
Cam Patterson
cam@meatbusinesspro.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gina Teel, Sam Boughedda, Laureb Krugel, Katharine Jackson, Juliette Nicolay, Jack Roberts
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Patrick Cairns
Meat Business Pro is published 12 times a year by We Communications West Inc
WHAT’S THE END GAME WITH THESE TARIFFS?
The current U.S. administration has announced suspension of tariffs until April 2nd and it feels the uncertainty of whether they are on or off seems to be worse than the tariffs themselves. Why is President Trump forcing this chaos on Canada and Mexico, two of the U.S.’s most trusted and valued trading partners?
We understand the concerns of the flow of illegal immigrants as well as the flow of dangerous drugs coming into the U.S. These are serious and complicated issues that have plagued North America for decades and any real solutions require long term planning and collaboration.
These tariffs ricochet around each of the countries affected and are met with the retaliation of placing tariffs on American goods. All we must do is look at what is happening in the meat industry as it now appears just the threat of these tariffs are reducing consumer demand for beef, pork and poultry.
The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means in whole or in part, without prior written consent from the publisher.
Printed in Canada. ISSN 1715-6726
Farmers, ranchers, producers and processors are finding it difficult to plan ahead as trade tensions rise and fall, making it harder to predict revenue and manage risk. If other countries shift their attention to finding alternative suppliers or new import/export markets, it will be difficult for U.S. farmers to regain those markets even after the tariffs are lifted.
There are other threats to our collective ag economy that include fertilizers, machinery, equipment and steel for farm infrastructure as they will become more expensive due to tariffs on imported goods and increase production costs for farmers and processors.
With lower demand for exports and higher costs, farm and ag incomes in all three North American countries will take a serious hit. Mix the uncertainty in with all the various subsidies along with dropping consumer confidence and you have a recipe for disaster.
Whether the tariffs are implemented or stalled or delayed or even removed, we are now in the midst of an unnecessary and unwanted trade war. To be sure, there will be plenty of discussions and negotiations but how will these world powers be able to have confidence or trust in any short-term or long-term trade agreements.
All of this uncertainty will make it even harder for the meat and ag industries to operate efficiently, which leads to financial stress and long-term market shifts that could be irreversible and the damage done to all these previously close relationships will be irreparable.
STRENGTHENING CYBER DEFENSES: PROTECTING CANADA’S FARMS IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Canadian agriculture is revolutionizing through digital advancements. Precision farming, automation, and data-driven decision-making are increasing efficiency and profitability for producers. However, these advancements come with growing cyber risks. Farms today are not just fields and barns — they are interconnected networks of smart devices, sensors, and cloud-based management systems. Unfortunately, increased connectivity has made farms a prime target for cyber criminals. This issue has become so significant that it has even been highlighted by the FBI south of the border.
Despite the rising threat, cyber security awareness in the agricultural sector remains low. According to the MNP Digital Cyber Security on the Farm 2025 Report, developed in conjunction with RealAgristudies, four out of five Canadian producers believe they have never experienced a cyberattack — a stark contrast to reports from nearly half their supplier, who indicate otherwise. This disconnect underscores the urgent need for greater cyber security education and preparedness across the industry.
Agriculture is crucial to Canada’s economy and food security, and any disruption to farm operations — from supply chain interruptions to compromised data — can have significant ripple effects on consumers, retailers, and global markets. This is precisely why cyber criminals have turned their attention to the industry. The threat landscape is evolving, with attackers using increasingly sophisticated techniques. Ransomware, phishing, and AI-driven scams are among the most prevalent threats facing farmers today. Criminals are leveraging artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos, voice phishing (vishing), and fraudulent supplier communications that trick farm operations into divulging sensitive information or making unauthorized payments. In fact, MNP’s Digital team found 68% of cyber incidents involve human error, whether it’s an employee clicking a fraudulent link or using weak passwords. Even more concerning, 62% of cyber attacks involve ransomware or extortion, meaning criminals lock farm data and demand payment for its release.
A NEW REALITY: THE GROWING THREAT OF CYBER ATTACKS ON AGRICULTURE
Operational technology (OT) on farms is another major vulnerability. Systems that control irrigation, automated feeding, and GPS-guided machinery are often not built with security in mind. A cyberattack targeting these technologies could halt planting, disrupt harvests, or even endanger livestock.
THE DISCONNECT: FARMERS UNDERESTIMATING THE RISK
Canadian producers are facing a hidden danger they don’t even realize exists. With 82% believing they’ve never been targeted by a cyberattack, yet nearly half of their suppliers report they have. The reality? Many cyber threats operate in silence. Phishing emails, malware, and unauthorized access often go unnoticed, until it’s too late.
This false sense of security is further complicated by generational knowledge gaps. The MNP Digital Cyber Security on the Farm 2025 Report, found that only 7% of farmers feel very knowledgeable about cyber security. Though younger farmers are more familiar with digital risks, and older generations often assume they’re safe because they use less technology, both groups tend to be overconfident in their preparedness for a cyberattack. This overconfidence leaves their farms vulnerable, making cyber security not just a necessity, but an urgent priority.
THE COST OF INACTION: WHAT’S AT STAKE
The financial impact of cyberattacks can be devastating. Ransomware incidents have crippled agribusinesses worldwide. In these attacks, hackers encrypt a farm’s data and demand payment in exchange for restoring access. For farms reliant on digital management systems, an attack can mean losing critical data on crop yields, livestock health, and financial records. Beyond financial losses, cyber security breaches can erode trust. Producers operate within tightly knit supply chains, and an attack on one operation can have cascading effects. These cyberattacks are not unique to agriculture but are part of a growing trend across all industries. According to Statistics Canada, one in six businesses was impacted by a cyber security incident in 2023, with the frequency increasing with the size of the business. This aligns with the data unearthed in MNP’s Cyber on the Farm 2025 Report, which shows that cyber threats increase with the size of a farm based on income levels.
Continued on page 8
THE REAL-WORLD IMPACT
In one case, a small hog farm in Ontario fell victim to a ransomware attack orchestrated by activists. The attackers infiltrated the farm’s computer systems, encrypting vital data and threatening to release fabricated evidence of animal abuse unless a ransom was paid. This incident not only jeopardized the farm’s operations but also posed a significant reputational risk. Cyber security experts warn that such tactics are likely to become more common, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and robust security measures within the agricultural community.
Another significant event involved JBS, one of the world’s largest meat processing companies. In 2021, JBS experienced a ransomware attack that disrupted its operations across multiple countries, including Canada. The company ultimately paid $11 million to the attackers to regain access to its systems and prevent further disruption. This attack highlighted the susceptibility of even large agribusinesses to cyber threats and underscored the potential for widespread impact on the food supply chain.
Incidents like this illustrate the evolving tactics of cyber criminals targeting the agricultural sector. From direct financial extortion to threats of reputational damage, the methods employed are becoming more sophisticated and damaging. As farming operations continue to integrate advanced technologies, it's imperative for producers to implement comprehensive cyber security strategies to safeguard their businesses against these emerging threats.
HOW DO THESE ATTACKS HAPPEN?
Cyber criminals use a variety of tactics to infiltrate farm systems, including:
• Phishing Attacks: Deceptive communications trick producers into revealing passwords or installing malware. These attacks are most successful during busy seasons, when vigilance is low.
• Ransomware: Hackers encrypt critical farm data and demand payment for its release. Without proper backups, a single attack can wipe out years of financial records and operational data.
• Exploiting known vulnerabilities: 14% of cyberattacks gain access through outdated or unpatched software, allowing criminals to bypass security measures.
• QR code scams (Quishing): Fraudulent QR codes redirect users to malicious sites designed to steal login credentials.
• AI-driven fraud: Cyber criminals use artificial intelligence to create highly convincing scams, such as another form of phishing known as vishing (voice phishing), that mimic trusted communications exploiting human trust, as there often difficult to detect, even for tech-savvy individuals.
Continued on page 10
Cyber criminals cast a wide net, targeting businesses that lack proper cyber defenses. Small and mid-sized farms are particularly vulnerable, as they often assume they aren’t big enough to be a target — but the reality is quite the opposite.
CYBER SECURITY PLANNING: BRIDGING THE PREPAREDNESS GAP
Cyber security preparedness remains low among Canadian producers. The study revealed that nearly 80% of farms lack a formal cyber security plan. Without a structured approach to identifying threats and responding to attacks, many farms remain vulnerable to disruptions that could have been prevented.
HERE ARE FOUR KEY STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO IMPROVE YOUR CYBER SECURITY:
1. Increased awareness and training Cyber security is not just an IT issue, it’s a business necessity. Producers and employees must understand how to recognize phishing attempts, secure sensitive information and report suspicious activity. Implementing basic cyber security training can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to scams.
2. Develop an incident response plan
An incident response plan outlines the steps to take when a cyberattack occurs, minimizing damage and ensuring a quick recovery. This includes:
• Identifying who is responsible for cyber security within the farm operation.
• Creating a communication plan to notify key stakeholders in the event of a breach.
• Establishing backup and recovery procedures to restore critical data quickly.
3. Secure farm equipment and operational technology
Many cyberattacks exploit vulnerabilities in OT. By implementing basic security measures, you can better protect your farm. Start with:
• Regularly updating software to patch unknown vulnerabilities.
• Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all critical systems.
• Ensuring that devices such as GPS systems, automated feeders, and irrigation controls are not connected to public networks.
4. Work with experienced cyber security partners
Cyber security isn’t just about installing software, it’s about a holistic strategy that includes people, processes and technology.
• Engage with professionals to assess risks and strengthen defenses.
• Leverage managed security services for proactive monitoring and protection if you have a small or non-
TURNING RISK INTO OPPORTUNITY
While the cyber security landscape may seem overwhelming, proactive planning can turn these challenges into opportunities. Producers who invest in cyber security today will be better positioned to protect their operations, maintain trust with suppliers, and leverage technology safely for long-term growth.
The Canadian government and industry organizations, such as Cybersecure Canada, provide free resources and training programs to help farms strengthen their cyber security defenses. Collaborating with experienced partners, like MNP, can also provide tailored solutions that fit the unique needs of agricultural operations.
If you’re ready to improve your farm’s cyber security, start by assessing your risks and developing a plan. Connect with an advisor to explore customized security solutions for your operation.
Article courtesy of MNP, a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. For more information, visit https://www.mnp.ca/
U.S. BEEF PRICES COULD RISE AS CANADA RANCHERS REDUCE CATTLE HERDS
Canadian farmer Jon Vaags quit buying beef cattle in November after the election of U.S. President Donald Trump made tariffs on Canadian exports seem like a serious risk.
Now there are more than 1,000 empty spaces on his feedlot, where cattle are fattened on grain before being slaughtered for beef.
“We stopped buying feeder cattle altogether,” said Mr. Vaags, whose family’s feedlot has room for 3,000 cattle and is usually full from November until the summer.
After years of drought raised feed costs, North American farmers culled animals and did not rebuild their herds, so the beef cattle population on both sides of the border had been declining even before the threat of US tariffs on Canadian exports.
Canada, the world’s No. 8 beef exporter and 10th largest cattle producer, exports more than half its beef production, with 75% going to the US.
The Trump administration has repeatedly listed lower food prices as a major objective. But at U.S. grocery stores, beef prices have already risen due to the smallest U.S. cattle herd in 74 years and the smallest Canadian herd in 36 years.
The average price of ground beef in U.S. cities has risen 43% since the beginning of 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Global beef prices are up 34% according to the International Monetary Fund.
Historically, cows, calves, breeding stock, slaughter animals and beef-in-boxes have flowed across the U.S.-Canada border as if it were not there. Canada imports many young cattle from the U.S., fattens them, slaughters them, then sends the meat back to the U.S. Tariffs would upend this process.
The U.S. cannot easily replace Canadian beef. It is already in a beef deficit and importing from as far away as Australia. Canadian beef fills in where there is not enough U.S. beef.
NSF INTERNATIONAL FOCUSES ON CANADIAN FOOD INDUSTRY WITH NEW WEBSITE FOR SERVICES IN CANADA
Canada’s cow and calf herd at the start of 2025 was 0.7% lower than in January 2024, which was 2.1% lower than in 2023. At 10.9 million head it is the smallest since 1988, according to Statistics Canada.
Curtis Vander Heyden, who runs three feed lots with his two brothers in Alberta, estimates one truckload of fattened cattle would face a $28,000 bill due to tariffs. U.S. buyers will balk at the price jump, either refusing to pay more than they would for U.S. cattle, or just not buying Canadian animals at all, he thinks. But Vander Heyden wants to retain his workforce, so he is not reducing his cattle-feeding operations.
Global public health organization showcases services for Canada’s growing and fast-changing
Canada’s government-backed lender Farm Credit Canada would like farmers to expand their herds to grow the country’s beef industry, but says tariffs are discouraging ranchers.
and complex food and beverage industry easy access to the global public health organization’s expertise and services in Canada. The website combines information on the depth, experience and capabilities of the NSF International Canadian office with access to NSF International’s global services dedicated to food safety and quality.
Some Canadian cattle ranchers “might sit this one out for 12 months, sit this one out for six months,” said Farm Credit Canada’s chief economist JP Gervais of Mr. Trump’s tariff threats.
Evolving regulations across countries and increasing complexities associated with a globalized food supply network present challenges for NSF International clients in Canada and around the world. The new Canadian website offers expertise and services to help companies navigate these challenges, including certification and auditing, consulting, technical services, training and education, food and label compliance, packaging, and product and process development.
The impact of a declining cattle herd is trickling down to other agricultural businesses in North America, including the sale of grains purchased up to a year ahead of time to fatten cattle.
NSF International’s Canadian website provides information on the following services:
“It’s killing the business,” said Jim Beusekom, president of Market Place Commodities, a feedgrains trader in Alberta’s “feedlot alley.”
Without looming tariffs, high meat prices may have encouraged some Canadian farmers to replenish their herds.
Certification & auditing: Third-party food safety audits and certifications, which are integral components of supplier selection and regulatory compliance. Accurate audits are the first step toward successful verification of a company’s food safety system, providing improved brand protection and customer confidence. Certifications and audits are available for animal and produce in the agriculture industry, GFSI certification and management system registration.
Instead, prices are prompting many to cash out by sending all the animals they can, including aging cows and young female breeding stock, into the meat market.
Consulting: A full-service team approach providing technical resources, expertise and insight for a wide range of food safety and quality services. NSF International provides finished product inspection testing for food,
“I can’t stop. We have employees. There are a lot of families depending on us,” said Vander Heyden.
accredited International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) site. Topics include HACCP, food safety and quality, GFSI benchmarked standards, regulations (including FSMA), food science, food packaging, food microbiology and ISO standards. Training modalities include eLearning, on-site, customized and open enrolment.
IS THIS THE END OF USMCA?
By Sam Boughedda, Investing.com
The United States has imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on China, escalating trade tensions and raising questions about the future of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), analysts at Bank of America (BofA) highlighted in a recent note.
Canada has already announced retaliatory tariffs on $107 billion worth of U.S. goods, while Mexico is expected to follow.
According to Bank of America, complacency around President Trump’s tariff threats meant that “he would have to follow through on one of these threats to maintain credibility.”
However, despite the tensions, BofA does not believe this marks the end of USMCA.
“There are still strong incentives for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to reach a deal. Therefore, we don’t expect the 25% tariffs to stay in place for an extended period,” said the bank.
Instead, the analysts expect a renegotiation of USMCA ahead of its scheduled 2026 review, leading to what they call “USMCA 2.0.”
The bank says the tariffs will negatively impact economic growth and inflation, particularly in Mexico, given its 70% trade-to-GDP ratio, followed by Canada at 50% and the U.S. at 18%.
BofA expects the Bank of Canada to cut rates, while Mexico’s central bank, Banxico, will likely cut less aggressively due to inflation risks. The Federal Reserve, meanwhile, is expected to stay on hold.
A prolonged trade war could be more disruptive. BofA estimates that if tariffs remain, Canada’s GDP growth could slow to 1.0% in 2025 from a projected 2.4%, while Mexico could face a 1.0% contraction instead of 0.8% growth.
In the currency markets, BofA warns that USD/CAD could spike to 1.50 if tariffs persist, while the Mexican peso may face further downside pressure as risk premiums rise.
https://www.beaconmetals.com
CANADA BEEF STEADFAST IN ITS MISSION AMID U.S. TARIFFS
By Gina Teel, Director, Stakeholder Communications,
On March 04, 2025, the United States Government imposed 25% tariffs on goods from Canada (except 10% on energy) and Mexico entering the U.S., following a 30day pause. The Government of Canada responded with 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of imported goods from the U.S., beginning with a list of goods worth $30 billion. The scope of the Canadian counter tariffs will be increased to $155 billion if the current U.S. tariffs are maintained, stated a Department of Finance news release.
U.S. tariffs present multiple challenges for Canada’s beef industry. Canada exports approximately 50% of its beef and cattle production with about 75% of those exports going to the U.S.
Back in February, when the U.S. Executive Order announcing the tariffs was issued, Canada Beef developed two plans – an adjusted adaptive plan (reallocation of our current budget) and a proposed comprehensive strategic marketing response plan to address the widespread implications to the Canadian beef industry should the U.S. impose tariffs on Canadian beef and cattle.
Working very closely with Canada’s ranchers and producers, packers, Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) leadership, and the value chain, Canada Beef developed a proposed $3.5 million Trade Disruption Response Plan to help reduce the impact of tariffs and to position the beef industry for long-term success. This plan, with the help of CCA, was presented to Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food for consideration for additional federal government industry development funds in late February.
In the meantime, Canada Beef had already activated several campaigns and initiatives in the domestic market that support the consumption of Canadian beef. As part of the adaptive plan, these in-market efforts have been intensified to increase the visibility of, and encourage loyalty to, local beef.
The aforementioned tactics provide a small sample of the efforts underway to enhance the visibility of Canadian beef and grow mindshare with consumers.
THE PROPOSED TRADE DISRUPTION RESPONSE PLAN HAS FOUR PILLARS:
• enhance domestic market development and promotion
• enhance international market development and diversification
NEW SURREY SLAUGHTERHOUSE ‘WOULD OPEN DOOR’ TO NEW BEEF MARKETS
• U.S. market development and promotion; and
• strengthen industry and government collaboration.
Proposed 30,000-square-foot beef abattoir in Cloverdale would be B.C.’s largest such facility
By Amy Reid, Peace Arch News
Popular consumer education campaigns such as ‘Pick the Beef with the Leaf’ show shoppers how to identify Canadian beef on packages of beef at the retail meat counter, advise on how to read beef labels, provide information about the versatility of Canadian beef and offer cooking tips and tricks to create budget-friendly meals.
A federally licensed beef processing facility is in the works in Surrey, BC.
“There’s a new building coming forward, a new abattoir, I think that’s the French pronunciation of slaughterhouse,” said Councillor Mike Starchuk. “So Surrey will have a newer facility with a better capacity so people will have the ability to not have to ship an animal to Alberta to have it processed. The applications have gone through the Agricultural and Food Sustainability Advisory Committee.”
A coordinated social media campaign was created to help boost awareness about Canada’s beef grades, communicate the benefits of Canadian beef, and stir patriotism by putting a face to Canada’s hard working farm families. A television component of the ‘Pick the Beef with the Leaf' campaign strategic messaging is underway, targeting high profile news programming with regional and national news carriers.
The facility is proposed on a 25-acre property within the Agricultural Land Reserve at 5175 184th St. The planned 30,000-square foot abattoir in Cloverdale would process up to 100 head of cattle per day.
According to a city report, that would make it larger than any other processing facility in B.C.. But it would still be small by industry standards, compared to the largest meat processing plants in Alberta that process 3,000 heads of cattle per day.
The proposed facility would be fully enclosed and designed
seeking a Canadian Food Inspection Agency license for the proposed abattoir, to become a federally registered meat establishment and expand the operation. This would allow the meat products to be transported beyond B.C.’s boundaries.
If approved, the plan will deploy multiple tactics under each pillar to maintain and create value and ensure Canadian beef remains a preferred protein at home and abroad.
“Our focus is on trying to bring a more efficient, sustainable local product to the market, realizing we can do that now in a very limited sense,” said Les. “I caution people when talking to them and they say, ‘What a big plant, that’s going to go allow you to go mainstream.’ Well, yes, if you look in the context of B.C., but this is still a very niche plant and we’ll serve a niche industry for producers and for the market. It’s certainly not going to be a monstrosity of a plant but it’ll be a big upgrade from the site currently.”
As we navigate the new scenario together, Canada Beef remains resolute in its mission to create value and champion Canadian beef globally, ensuring continued growth and resilience for our producers, processors, and stakeholders.
CANADIAN CATTLE GROUPS LOOK TO DIVERSIFY MARKETS
By Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press
Beef industry groups say with 25% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods taking effect, they’re looking to diversify their export markets, process more domestically and push for improvements to government support programs.
The cattle sector is tightly interwoven between Canada and the United States, with animals often raised here before being sent across the border for slaughter. The levy is the latest challenge for an industry already dealing with drought, an aging workforce and other long-term headwinds.
One fifth of harvest-ready cattle in Alberta are exported to the United States, making up a big percentage of the Pacific Northwest market, said Curtis Vander Heyden, vice-chair of the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association.
“In a week, you’re (taking) $10 to $12 million directly out of the pockets of a feedlot producer in Alberta,” Vander Heyden said of the tariffs.
Dennis Laycraft, executive vice-president of the Canadian Cattle Association, said he’d like to see Canada step up its international marketing efforts for Canadian beef.
“World beef demand is growing faster than world beef production. We’re pretty excited about the future, which is why it’s so frustrating to go through an event like this,” he said.
Laycraft said members of his group are currently in Asia, looking to develop relationships in growing markets like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan.
“You don’t replace the United States — it’s the largest market in the world — but we are looking at where we can diversify.”
Doug Roxburgh, chair of Alberta Beef Producers said it would be challenging for all cattle raised in Canada to be processed here.
“But we see value in further processing some of our product and allowing Canadians not to see that movement going north-south all the time,” he said.
Roxburgh added his group is also hoping to remove the cap on support offered through the AgriStability program, which is meant to buffer producers from big plunges in income and to bring livestock price insurance programs offered in Canada more in line with those in the United States.
TARIFFS DELAYED FOR GOODS UNDER MEXICO, CANADA TRADE DEAL
By Katharine Jackson, Reuters
On March 6th, U.S. President Donald Trump suspended on tariffs of 25% he had imposed earlier that week on most goods from Canada and Mexico, the latest twist in a fluctuating trade policy that has whipsawed markets and fanned worries about inflation and growth.
The exemptions for the two largest U.S. trading partners, expire on April 2, when Trump has threatened to impose a global regime of reciprocal tariffs on all U.S. trading partners.
Trump had mentioned an exemption only for Mexico earlier on Thursday, but the amendment he signed later that day covered Canada as well. The three countries are partners in a North American trade pact.
In response, Canada will delay a planned second wave of retaliatory tariffs on C$125 billion ($87.4 billion) of U.S. products until April 2, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in a post on X.
For Canada, the amended White House order also excludes duties on potash, a critical fertilizer for U.S. farmers, but does not fully cover energy products, on which Trump has imposed a separate levy of 10%.
A White House official said that was because not all energy products imported from Canada are covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade that Trump negotiated in his first term as president.
Trump imposed the tariffs after declaring a national emergency on January 20, his first day in office, due to deaths from fentanyl overdoses, saying the deadly opioid and its precursor chemicals make their way from China to the United States via Canada and Mexico.
TRUMP HAS ALSO IMPOSED TARIFFS OF 20% ON ALL IMPORTS FROM CHINA AS A RESULT.
China said it would "resolutely counter" pressure from the United States on the fentanyl issue, urging the United States to resolve the abuse of the drug itself.
"No country can imagine that it can suppress China on one hand while developing good relations with China on the other hand," Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a briefing in Beijing.
Trump first announced the levies at the beginning of February but delayed them for Canada and Mexico. Then he declined further delay, and doubled a 10% levy enforced on Chinese imports since February 4.
associations wouldn’t have previously nominated anybody because there are many farms here on PEI doing every bit as much as we are as to attain a high level of sustainability. Anyway, we were very surprised when the PEI Cattleman’s Association nominated our farm.
CMB: And then you were attending the Canadian Beef conference in Calgary and you won.
"On April 2, we're going to move with the reciprocal tariffs, and hopefully Mexico and Canada will have done a good enough job on fentanyl that this part of the conversation will be off the table, and we'll move just to the reciprocal tariff conversation," Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC.
"But if they haven't, this will stay on."
DF: Yeah! That was a very nice moment for us. But I don’t like to use the word win actually. However, being recognized for our commitment was a real honour. If you want to know the truth, it was a pretty humbling experience. As I said to CBC when they phoned me after the conference, I was just floored, really couldn’t believe it.
CMB: So now that you have been recognized, do you think that will draw more attention and garner more nominations out of Atlantic Canada going forward?
Trump also said tariffs of 25% on imports of steel and aluminum would take effect as scheduled on March 12. Canada and Mexico are both top exporters of the metals to U.S. markets, with Canada in particular accounting for most aluminum imports.
DF: Absolutely. We’ve gotten a lot of good press highlighting the island
https://www.yesgroiup.ca
On Wednesday Trump exempted automotive goods from the 25% tariffs he imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico as of Tuesday, levies that economists saw as threatening to stoke inflation and stall growth across all three economies.
Trump issued the exemptions after meeting executives from the top U.S. auto makers, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.
NO BUY-IN FROM MARKETS
U.S. stock markets resumed their recent sell-off, with investors citing the back-and-forth developments on tariffs as a concern. Economists have warned the levies may rekindle inflation and slow demand and growth in their wake.
The S&P 500 closed down 1.8% and is now down nearly 7% since mid-February.
"A continuation of this on-again, off-again with tariffs, particularly with Mexico and Canada," is creating uncertainty in markets, said Bill Sterling, global strategist at GW&K Investment Management in Boston.
"How can you make decisions about where you locate an auto plant between the United States and Canada right now?"
Lutnick said that the White House was not looking to market reaction for guidance.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is stepping down as Canada's leader, said he did not expect the trade war to abate soon.
"I can confirm that we will continue to be in a trade war that was launched by the United States for the foreseeable future," he told reporters in Ottawa.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Trudeau a "numbskull."
Mexican officials offered no immediate response to the tariff delay, though President Claudia Sheinbaum held a telephone call with Trump, during which he had agreed to a delay.
"We had an excellent and respectful call in which we agreed that our work and collaboration have yielded unprecedented results, within the framework of respect for our sovereignties," Sheinbaum said in a post on X.
Mexican and Canadian officials have been frustrated by tariff negotiations with the Trump administration, with a lack of clarity over U.S. desires, sources from both countries told Reuters.
KODY BLOIS IS CANADA’S NEW AG MINISTER
Mark Carney, Canada’s new Prime Minister has appointed Kody Blois, MP for the Nova Scotia riding of Kings-Hants since 2019, as the new federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development. His plate will be full with threats of Chinese tariffs on canola and meal for March 20th and American tariffs in the wings for April 2nd on all Canadian goods, including fruits and vegetables.
The 34-year-old has moved up from his role as parliamentary secretary to Prince Edward Island MP Lawrence MacAulay and most recent ag minister. Blois is currently chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Blois is a lawyer with degrees in commerce, public administration and law. He was a former competitive athlete. He is passionate about community development and public policy.
Blois no stranger to horticulture. The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) named him 2023 Produce Champion, an award that recognizes an MP or Senator who has been supportive of the produce industry and is effective in bringing industry issues to the forefront of Parliament Hill.
"Agriculture is a huge priority for me,” said MP Blois. “Representing the riding of Kings—Hants, where agriculture is one of the main drivers of the economy, I am honoured to be named Produce Champion by CPMA, an organization that represents such a huge sector of the Canadian economy.”
U.S. TARIFFS, AN OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN CANADA’S ECONOMY AND BUSINESS COMPETITIVENES
Canada’s trade relationship with the United States has long been a cornerstone of economic growth. This partnership has been vital to the success of many small and medium-sized businesses on both sides of the border. However, as the U.S. imposed on March 4 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), examined how agribusinesses are prepared for these tariffs, the impacts they face, and the steps needed to safeguard their competitiveness.
The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner. As a matter of fact, according to a CFIB survey, in December 2024, 67% of agri-businesses were trading with the U.S. Canadian agri-businesses rely on U.S. businesses to purchase and sell goods
Figure 1: Share of agri-businesses exporting to the U.S
Let’s note that it won’t only impact small businesses directly involved in trade with the U.S., but also those that rely on suppliers or customers that are trading with the U.S. A Manitoba agri-business owner who grows corn told us that she’s concerned that a 25% tariff on pork from Canada could force barns to shut down, reducing her ability to sell her corn locally which would then affect her basis and overall profitability. Another farmer from Ontario is worried that the price of spray products for crops will increase, making it challenging to maintain crop quality and recover those costs.
This strong reliance on the U.S. market leaves businesses highly vulnerable to trade disruptions and rising costs. In fact, almost half of agri-businesses reported being unprepared to manage the impact of the new tariffs. According to a CFIB survey, in February 2025, even before tariffs were officially put in place, agri-businesses were already feeling their effects, with rising costs (34%) and disrupted supply chains (20%) pushing them to seek new suppliers (43%) and scale
In addition to these challenges, almost half of agribusinesses (49%) reported feeling less confident about their financial health, particularly when it comes to cash flow, debt levels, and available revenues. This is especially concerning given that most agri-businesses are price-takers and more than one third (35%) won’t be able to pass on any of the tariffs-related costs to their customers.
Tariffs will have a devastating impact on agri-businesses, with many being uncertain about how long they can continue operating under these conditions. The mere threat of tariffs is already affecting many small business owners, in terms of lower currency value increasing costs of imports, or cancelled sales.
Let’s turn President Trump’s actions are an opportunity to make sure Canada creates a more favourable and competitive environment for businesses, let’s not miss it.
That’s why we need strong and proactive action from the government to ensure Canadian agri-businesses can not only navigate through the current storm but can operate in a business environment that will ensure their success in the long term. To support small businesses, the government should reduce the fiscal burden and look at eliminating the carbon tax and reducing the small business income tax rate. It should also eliminate internal trade barriers, which would add $200 billion to the economy, boosting the national economy by four to eight percent.
Finally, all of us need to come together and do all we can to support local, independent Canadian businesses. All these measures are needed to ensure Canada remains a competitive business environment.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 100,000 members (5,200 agri-business members) across every industry and region. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.
Figure 4: 62% of agri-businesses want the government to encourage Canadians to buy local
https://www.yesgroup.ca
201 Don Park Road Unit 1, Markham, Ontario, L3R 1C2 Phone: 905-470-1135 1-800-465-3536 Fax: 905-470-8417
Website: www.yesgroup.ca email: sales@yesgroup.ca
Remco and The Yes Group Protecting
your Customers
Remco products are colour-coded to help divide the production cycle into different zones. By identifying these zones as different cleaning areas, the movement of bacteria around the production area can be blocked.
Our products were developed with the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) in mind.
No matter what colour-coding plan is implemented, Remco Products from The Yes Group provides significant added value at no additional cost. From scoops to squeegees, from brushes to shovels, we have the products and the colours to enhance any professional quality assurance program.
