Canada’s agricultural sector is the pride of our nation — feeding families, fueling economies and stewarding the land.
From coast to coast, farmers, producers and industry rely on a robust support system to ensure their produce is safe, sustainable and competitive.
A crucial pillar of that system is Agriculture Canada and the dedicated public servants who work every day to support Canadian agriculture.
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However, that support is now under threat.
Recent proposals to cut federal spending may sound fiscally responsible on paper, but for those of us who support our farming and food production community, they raise serious concerns.
The Agriculture Union represents nearly 2,500 employees at Agriculture Canada, all of whom are essential to the health and resilience of our agricultural sector.
These workers help develop drought and disease-resistant crops, support sustainable farming practices and ensure that Canada remains a global leader in agricultural research and innovation. They are the quiet force behind the scenes, helping farmers adapt to climate change, navigate trade challenges and improve yields.
Our members at Agriculture Canada protect Canada’s farming community as a whole.
Since prime minister Mark Carney’s cuts were first announced in July, we have been in constant contact with department heads at Agriculture Canada. We want to stop cuts to the department, particularly to programs such as AgriStability.
If jobs are cut in the department, farmers will face a decline in the quality of services they rely on, especially programs such as AgriStability, which our members at Agriculture Canada help deliver.
Despite Canada’s growing population, increasing demands on our food system and reliance on international trade, staffing levels at Agriculture Canada have steadily declined over the past decade.
In 2012, the department employed 6,644 people; by 2025, that number has dropped to 5,690. This is far below the 30 per cent increase in staffing across the broader federal public service that the government often cites.
This erosion of support comes at a time when farmers are facing unprecedented challenges — from extreme weather to shifting global markets. Cutting Agriculture Canada’s capacity now would be like slashing a fire department during wildfire season: reckless and dangerous.
Investment in agriculture is a matter of national security. We need to ensure that the institutions that support it are properly funded.
The risks of underinvestment are real. Without strong federal support, we risk falling behind in agricultural research, losing ground in climate resilience and undermining the competitiveness of Canadian producers.
Members of the Agriculture Union are proud to serve Canadian agriculture. They work alongside farmers, support rural communities and help ensure that our food system remains strong and secure.
However, they can’t do more with less. They need support — not austerity.
If Mr. Carney and other leaders truly want to build a stronger Canada, they must recognize that agriculture is vital to Canada. An investment in agriculture is an investment in our communities and our future.
We urge members of Parliament to reject short-sighted cuts that would jeopardize our food system. Instead, let’s invest in the people and programs that keep Canadian agriculture thriving.
Milton Dyck is national president of the Agriculture Union.