The risks for today’s agricultural producers has never been higher — but that doesn’t mean the industry can’t adapt and thrive.
“Today’s farmers must navigate a complex web of interrelated challenges,” says Dr. Camille Ryan, Senior Business Partner in Industry Affairs and Sustainability at Bayer Crop Science Canada. “The industry’s resilience hinges on a comprehensive grasp of these risks and the relationships between them.”
Perhaps not surprising, economic turbulence was at the forefront of Ryan’s discussion.
“We’re looking at a lengthy list of economic risks that are always shifting,” she says, pointing to market fluctuations, changing commodity prices, rising input costs, and shifting trade laws as key factors complicating profitability for farmers. “These challenges make it increasingly difficult to maintain sustainable operations.”
Most notably, the looming threat of tariffs from the U.S. administration creates increased unpredictability and the potential to severely impact farmers’ bottom lines.
“A proposed 25% tariff could drive up costs and create logistical headaches for producers,” she says. “We need to stay informed about these developments and advocate for our interests.”
If environmental and economic factors weren’t enough to worry about, Ryan says the industry must also contend with a growing disconnect between the agricultural community and its consumers.
“Society is becoming increasingly removed from the realities of farming,” she says, referencing the generational gap that has emerged as more people continue to move into urban centers. “Over 50% of the world’s population is on social media now. Misinformation spreads rapidly through these channels.”
She says farmers play an active role in combatting misconceptions about the industry — whether through advocacy work, consumer awareness programs, or developing engaging social media strategies.
Ryan also expressed concern over recent events involving agricultural policy. The withdrawal of several grower groups from the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy initiated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is a stark reminder of the industry’s challenges in maintaining open lines of communication with policymakers.
“The absence of trust between farmers and government can lead to policies that may not effectively address the realities of agricultural production,” she says. “We need to tackle these issues together. The future of Canadian agriculture depends on our collective ability to adapt and respond.”
Ryan delivered the keynote speech during a packed room at Ag Expo in Lethbridge. The talk was part of “The Dish: Serving Up Success in Ag,” a hospitality-style information session sponsored by AFSC.
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