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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: February 2026

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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: February 2026

Headlines

New rules boost water storage and conservation

New and expanded Water Act exemptions will increase water availability, improve conservation, support agricultural production and help protect communities from future emergencies. Currently, many dugouts are sized too small to capture available water because of a 2,500 cubic metre exemption limit. Effective immediately, farmers and ranchers can fill their dugouts up to 7,500 cubic metres – triple the previous limit – provided the water is used for agricultural purposes. This change helps protect them from future droughts and supports strong agricultural operations. Read more

The 2026 Census of Agriculture is coming

In May 2026, farm operators across Canada will receive an invitation in the mail to complete the Census of Agriculture questionnaire. Respondents will be able to complete their questionnaire online using their Secure Access Code included in the invitation letter. Continue reading

The Government of Canada strengthens support for agricultural exports with a new market diversification program

Canada's agriculture, fish, and seafood sectors are facing ongoing global market uncertainty and increasing risks from trade barriers. To help these sectors remain competitive and resilient on the world stage, the Government of Canada is taking targeted action to support exporters and industry organizations. At the Food and Beverage Canada's annual Policy Breakfast, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the launch of two new AgriMarketing Program streams: Market Diversification for National Industry Associations and Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Read the announcement here.

2025 Performance Variety Trial results available

The 2025 Performance Variety Trial (PVT) results are now available, delivering the latest, region-specific data to support informed crop variety decisions across Alberta and Western Canada. The annual PVT program evaluates cereal, oilseed and pulse crop varieties, providing up-to-date information on yield performance, agronomic characteristics and disease resistance. This data helps farmers, agronomists and industry professionals select varieties best suited to their local growing conditions, environmental zones and management practices. PVT results

The University of Guelph and the Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) have launched the 3rd National Survey of Farmer and Rancher Mental Health in Canada

This national survey invites farmers and ranchers from all commodities and regions across Canada to share their experiences related to stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, resilience, and coping. The results will help build a clearer, more current picture of mental health in agriculture and will be compared with findings from previous national surveys conducted in 2016 and 2021. The Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing (CCAW) is pleased to help amplify this work and support broad participation across the sector. Strong participation helps ensure that future research, programs, and policy decisions are informed by the real experiences of farmers and ranchers. The survey takes around 20 minutes to complete, and your participation enters you into 5 draws to WIN $200! ENGLISH SURVEY | FRENCH SURVEY

2026 Awards of Excellence

Across Alberta, farms and agritourism experiences are doing remarkable work welcoming the public, innovating, stewarding the land, mentoring others and shaping the future of direct-market agriculture. The Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association wants to recognize that work. Nominations are open for the 2026 Alberta Farm Fresh Agritourism Awards of Excellence. These awards are designed to celebrate excellence, leadership, innovation, sustainability and emerging talent within Alberta’s agritourism and direct-market farming sector. The nomination deadline is February 28. | Learn more and submit a nomination

310-FARM - Alberta's one-stop shop for agricultural answers

310‑FARM is staffed by knowledgeable resource agents who understand the agricultural landscape and can help callers navigate provincial programs, regulatory requirements and available supports. While the team does not have every answer, they specialize in connecting callers with the right people—whether that means transferring you to a subject‑matter expert, providing you with the details and a link to a specific program, or directing you to the right department or industry contact. More information | 310-FARM

Canadian Cattle Association launches survey on traceability

In response to producer feedback and concern about proposed amendments to Part XV (Traceability) of the Health of Animals Regulations, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has launched an online traceability feedback survey to ensure that producers have an opportunity to share their feedback. The survey is based on the proposed regulations as they were anticipated prior to the pause. Feedback collected through the survey will be used to help inform the organization’s next steps related to traceability discussions. Read more and participate in the survey

Funding Resources & Programs

Class 1 Learning Pathway Grant Program

The Class 1 Learning Pathway Grant Program is designed to support the commercial driving industry in Alberta by increasing the number of licensed Class 1 and 3 drivers, connecting them with employers and funding projects that will increase driver employment, attraction, retention and industry diversification. Learn more here

New market diversification program supports agricultural exports

Agriculture Canada recently announced the launch of two new AgriMarketing Program streams: Market Diversification for National Industry Associations and Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. A total of $75 million will be invested over 5 years (2026-27 to 2030-31) to support the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector to better respond to current market instability by encouraging greater market diversification. Learn more

Prairie Agtech Validation Program

Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is a non-profit organization that supports the development of data-driven agtech solutions for the most significant challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s producers and primary processors. CAAIN needs passionate and forward-thinking Alberta agricultural producers to participate in our new Prairie Agtech Validation Program. This initiative is designed to bring the latest advancements in digital agriculture directly to the farm. Learn more and apply here.

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

The program will help the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector ('agricultural sector') take advantage of a situation or
circumstance to develop a new idea, product, niche, or market opportunity, respond to new and emerging issues (address sector issues that were unknown or not a concern before), and find and test solutions to new and ongoing issues to adapt and remain competitive. If approved, support is available in the form of repayable and non-repayable contributions. Learn more about the program here.

Tools to manage farm risk and finance

Start the year off on the right foot. Equip yourself with the right tools to navigate your farm risks. From financing, investment protection, debt management, cyber security tips, and mental health resources, Agriculture Canada has tools you can explore. More information

Canadian Forage and Grassland Association OFCAF intake opened February 1

The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) helps to distribute funds for the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) in the rotational grazing stream in 4 provinces, including Alberta. Grazing plan applications are for working with a grazing mentor to develop a rotational grazing plan (up to 85 per cent cost share). A maximum of $1,500 is available per producer over the lifespan of the CFGA’s program. More information

AFSC makes improvements for 2026

AFSC is making changes to several crop insurance offerings for the 2026 crop year. Changes include moving the application deadline for Bee Overwintering Insurance, adjusting weather station moisture normals to align with sustainable practices, aligning irrigated and dryland hay coverage, and refining bear damage to hives as it moves from the pilot stage into permanent AFSC programming.

Changes are also on the way that will increase AgriStability’s responsiveness for livestock producers. Check out all the changes

AFSC deadlines

A reminder from AFSC that February 28, 2026 is the deadline for the following:

  • Perennial Crop Insurance: Last day to remove grazing livestock from insured export hay fields.
  • Perennial Crop Insurance: Last day to apply, make changes to or cancel coverage.

 AFSC deadlines

Canola Leaders

Applications are now open for the 2026 Canola Leaders Program (March 17–18). This program welcomes 20 young farmers (or farmers that are young in their leadership journey) from across Alberta for a no-cost, two-day leadership development experience. This Alberta Canola event is designed to strengthen leadership skills that directly benefit participants’ farming operations and the rural communities where they live and farm. Participants receive training in strategic thinking, governance, policy, government relations, media communications and more. Alberta residents working in or returning to agriculture are eligible. Learn more and apply now

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Canadian Chamber Statement on Canada-China Strategic Partnership

In response to the announcement of a strategic partnership between Canada and  China focused on energy, agri-food and trade, the Canadian Chamber has published a statement available on their website. Key facts in the announcement for Canadian agri-food:

  • By March 1, 2026, Canada expects that China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to a combined rate of approximately 15%. China is a $4 billion canola seed market for Canadian producers, and this change represents a significant drop from current combined tariff levels of approximately 85%.
  • Canada expects that Canadian canola meal, lobsters, crabs, and peas will not be subject to relevant anti-discrimination tariffs from March 1, 2026, until at least the end of this year.
  • With this new trade agreement, Canada also expects to see a resolution of many long-term trade obstacles for a range of important agricultural sectors, from beef to pet food.
  • In exchange for tariff reductions on Canadian agri-food, Canada will allow 49,000 Chinese EVs into the Canadian market at the most-favoured-nation tariff rate of 6.1%. This quota is expected to rise by about six percent annually, reaching 70,000 in half a decade.

Strychnine - Minister Sigurdson

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued a statement on the federal rejection of strychnine for emergency pest management.

“I am deeply disappointed that the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency has rejected Alberta and Saskatchewan’s emergency use registration for two per cent liquid strychnine and urge them to reconsider this decision. Alberta’s producers are facing significant challenges when managing Richardson’s ground squirrels (RGS) and the loss of this effective control method is devastating for many across the agriculture sector. The annual risk to hay and native pastures exceeds $800 million and the risk of this exploding RGS population is detrimental to farms and ranches across the country." Read the full statement

Alberta expands water act exemptions

Farmers and ranchers can now fill dugouts up to 7,500 m³ for agricultural use, helping protect operations from drought. New rules also allow wetlands, communities, and businesses to capture and use more local water, including stormwater, and make it easier to access water for dust control, temporary work camps, and other practical purposes. Learn more

Need Safety Help on Your Farm?

AgSafe Alberta Advisors understand agriculture, and will use their experience and knowledge to support you in making your farm safer. Qualifying farms can get up to 10 hours of FREE advisor support! Learn more here 

Next Agricultural Policy Framework

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, has launched consultations ahead of the renewal of the Next Agricultural Policy Framework, the federal-provincial-territorial cost-shared program that provides most support to the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Consultations for the Next Agricultural Policy Framework launched

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald recently hosted an in-person roundtable with sector stakeholders to mark the launch of consultations that will inform the development of the Next Policy Framework (NPF). The NPF will succeed the 2023-2028 Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) as the main federal, provincial and territorial mechanism for supporting Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector from 2028 to 2033. More information


2026 crop outlook

Prices for grains, oilseeds, and pulses have been falling for most crops over the past several years largely due to global trade uncertainty and improved production. In this outlook, Farm Credit Canada looks at the key factors that will drive prices and presents forecasts for the 2026-27 crop year. Continue reading 

2025 Livestock Tax Deferral

Due to challenging weather conditions, Agriculture Canada reports more regions now qualify for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral. This support helps producers manage extreme weather impacts. Livestock Tax Deferral | Livestock Tax Deferral Prescribed Regions

Order your Blue Book

The Blue Book is a longstanding and trusted resource for Alberta farmers and agronomists, providing current pesticide application information. With over 700 pages of valuable crop protection information, spraying guidelines and farm safety, The Blue Book is an essential tool for any farming operation. The Blue Book is collaboratively produced by three of Alberta’s crop commissions – Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains and Alberta Pulse Growers. Order the 2026 Blue Book

2026 Dairy outlook

The protein boom has arrived in Canadian dairy, and it is changing how producers will be paid for their milk. What does that mean for profitability in 2026? To learn more, read Farm Credit Canada's 2026 Dairy outlook.

Fertilizer economics

Yield, fertilizer rates and profit potential are always in fine balance for farmers. Here are some calculators to help farms select the right fertilizer rates for 2026:

Notable canola production threats

Canola Watch asked a group of agronomists from across the Prairies to identify canola production threats that increased in their areas over the past few years. Here are some of the notable trends:

  • Verticillium stripe. This is an up-and-coming canola disease.
  • Cabbage seedpod weevils reached surprisingly high numbers on the eastern Prairies in 2025. They are much more common in the southwest Prairies.
  • Herbicide-resistant weed biotypes continue to increase and glyphosate-resistant kochia has become a problem in some fields across the Prairies.

 Read more in the latest Canola Watch

Updated crop quality reports

The quality reports for both Canada Western Amber Durum and Canada Western Red Spring Wheat have been updated with new data as of January 15, for protein content, grading factors, DON and Falling Number.

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

On-Demand Virtual Events | FCC

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) events

2026 AgriStability Update, virtual | February 24 - Authorized Reps | February 26 - Producers

Working Well Program winter workshop series | February 25 & March 4 | Registration and additional resources

Alberta AgriSystems Living Lab events, virtual | Composting Producer Panel - February 25 | Nitrogen Variable Rate Technology - March 4 | Composting 101 - April 29

Producer Funding 101 webinar series | February 26 & March 5

Virtual Event: How agri-food exporters grow in the Indo-Pacific | Feb. 26, 1:00-2:00 PM ET

Successful Farm Direct Marketing | March 4 - From Farm to Customer | March 18 - Producer Perspectives

When is Sustainable Packaging Coming in the Canadian Agri-Food Industry: 3 Critical Perspectives | Learn more and register for the March 9 webinar

Farm Financial Health: Making Smart Decisions Before the 2026 Season, virtual | March 11

Ag Legacy Information Session | March 12

Women at the heart of agricultural wellbeing | March 10

Ag Legacy Event IG Private Wealth Management | March 12, 2026 @ 2:00 pm | Register

Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit Part 1 - March 17 | Virtual FCC Young Farmer Summit Part 2 - March 31

Agri-News online - www.alberta.ca/agri-news.aspx (includes upcoming industry events)

Other Resources

As always, you can always find more agribusiness resources on our website: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/agribusiness-resources/

If you know of someone who may be interested in the work we are doing and might be interested in investing in this work through membership, please feel free to refer them to us. You can also encourage others to subscribe to our agriculture updates through this page. We look forward to continuing our work with you and pushing for our collective priorities on your behalf.

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