Alberta Beef Producers welcomes progress on Business Risk Management and priorities outlined in Halifax Statement 

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is encouraged by the progress federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture have made toward strengthening Business Risk Management programs, including AgriStability, while welcoming the broader priorities outlined in the Halifax Statement that align with the needs of Alberta’s cattle producers. 

Released following the annual conference of FPT Ministers of Agriculture in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Halifax Statement establishes the shared vision, guiding principles and priorities that will shape the Next Policy Framework, which will succeed the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) in 2028. 

“Alberta Beef Producers is especially thankful for the work of Ministers Tara Sawyer and RJ Sigurdson, Deputy Minister Jason Hale and the team at Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation,” said Doug Roxburgh, ABP Chair. “We’d also like to thank Alberta Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), for its continued collaboration and support in strengthening AgriStability.  Many of the priorities identified through the Halifax Statement and the discussions held during the FPT meeting reflect areas where Alberta has continued to advocate on behalf of cattle producers.” 

Among the most significant outcomes for the cattle sector were continued commitments to strengthen Canada’s Business Risk Management (BRM) programs. 

FPT Ministers reaffirmed that BRM programs should remain flexible, responsive and reflective of evolving producer needs. Ministers also agreed to continue work on potential AgriStability improvements, including consideration of an increase to the AgriStability payment cap, while directing officials to advance longer-term improvements to BRM programs as work continues on the Next Policy Framework. 

“It’s encouraging to see governments recognize that Business Risk Management programs must continue to evolve,” said Roxburgh. “We’ve seen strong improvements to AgriStability over the past year, and we’re pleased to see ministers commit to further work that will help ensure these programs better reflect the realities facing cattle producers.” 

The Halifax Statement also identifies priorities that support many of ABP’s long-standing policy objectives, including increasing trade and market diversification, advancing science, research and innovation, strengthening sector resilience, and improving Canada’s ability to respond to future risks. 

ABP also welcomed the continued focus on reducing barriers to interprovincial trade and ongoing discussions around regulatory modernization, including proposed amendments to the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations and enhanced feed ban requirements. 

Labour was another important topic discussed by Ministers, particularly improvements related to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and preserving the strengths of the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program. Access to a reliable labour force remains a priority for many Alberta cattle operations. 

“In alignment with the FPT’s emphasis on collaboration and consultation, we look forward to continuing to work with governments, stakeholders and industry partners to advance these priorities and strengthen Canada’s cattle sector,” said Roxburgh.

(Note on photo: Participants in the Next Policy Framework roundtable in Alberta earlier this summer, including ABP General Manager, Brad Dubeau)