Liberals release plan to protect farmers and food workers from Trump’s tariffs and global shocks, with rural focus

GRANBY, QC — Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney has unveiled a detailed plan to defend Canada’s agrifood sector from economic threats posed by U.S. tariffs and global disruptions, promising robust protections for farmers, ranchers, and food workers from coast to coast. Speaking from the heart of Quebec’s dairy country, Carney emphasized that Canada’s supply-managed sectors will remain non-negotiable in any talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump—a message likely to resonate with producers facing renewed uncertainty in 2025.

“Canada’s dairy sector is off the table in any negotiations with President Trump,” said Carney. “We will defend supply management, cut red tape, and invest in the backbone of our food system—our workers and rural communities.”

What It Means for Northwestern Ontario

With a rising focus on domestic food resilience and rural economies, the plan holds real implications for Thunder Bay and the broader Northwestern Ontario region. Local producers, many of whom have faced volatility in input costs, processing access, and international market pressures, may find new opportunities under Carney’s proposed investments.

The $200 million Domestic Food Processing Fund is particularly relevant to rural communities where farmers often lack access to affordable, local processing. Expanding food production capacity in remote areas could lead to job creation, reduced shipping costs, and stronger regional food security in Northern Ontario.

Key Measures in the Liberal Agrifood Plan

1. Strong Defense of Supply Management:
The Liberals reaffirm their commitment to protect dairy, poultry, and egg producers under Canada’s long-standing supply management system, shielding them from harmful trade concessions.

2. Doubling AgriStability Revenue Protection:
Carney’s plan would make permanent the increased coverage from $3 million to $6 million per farm in cases of revenue loss from tariffs, extreme weather, or market shocks.

3. Boosting Domestic Food Processing:
The $200 million Domestic Food Processing Fund will prioritize building and expanding processing capacity in rural and remote regions—an initiative that could stimulate agricultural growth in areas like Thunder Bay District.

4. Expanding Market Access:
An additional $30 million for the AgriMarketing Program will help Canadian producers promote their goods globally, diversifying income streams and reducing dependence on volatile U.S. markets.

5. Supporting Cleaner, More Efficient Farming:
A $30 million top-up to the Agriculture Clean Technology Program aims to help farmers adopt modern equipment, lower emissions, and boost productivity.

6. Doubling Loan Guarantees for Farmers:
The Canadian Agricultural Loans Act will see its loan guarantee ceiling rise from $500,000 to $1 million, with extended repayment terms to ease financial strain for producers.

Rural Investment as Economic Strategy

Carney’s plan also signals a broader shift in Liberal economic strategy: investing in the agrifood sector as a pillar of Canada’s economic sovereignty. By protecting farmers from foreign policy shocks and enabling greater self-sufficiency, the Liberals aim to reposition agriculture as a driver of national resilience.

“By safeguarding our domestic food sector and investing in workers across the country, we will protect our economic sovereignty and build a stronger Canada,” Carney stated.