Trade and government relations in a shifting landscape

Writing about trade and government relations in the beef industry is a challenge right now. By the time this article reaches your hands, the landscape could look quite different.

Still, it’s worth providing some context on what’s been done, and some background on the current state of conversations.

Throughout July, Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) met with a range of U.S. officials, including representatives, senators, ambassadors, and producer organizations. During Stampede, we hosted and toured with several of these groups, and I can say that all of the meetings were positive. It was clear to everyone involved just how interconnected our beef sectors are and how both nations benefit from a stable, open border.

It was a good reminder of how much common ground we share. Many of the challenges facing Canadian producers are mirrored south of the border. While the specifics vary in the case of wild boar damage in Texas versus elk damage in Alberta, for example, the broader issues are familiar: reducing regulatory burdens, supporting rural economies, and strengthening producer resilience.

One offhand but noteworthy comment I heard more than once was that Alberta is regarded as having done the best job in Canada of building rapport with the Trump administration. While others may have taken a different approach, Premier Smith and her cabinet’s engagement on trade policy has been noted and generally well received by important U.S. officials.

At the same time, recent developments have prompted a broader conversation within ABP about the reliability of the U.S. as a trading partner. From increased protectionist rhetoric to sudden market access disputes, it’s clear the U.S. is shifting from being a stable partner to a more unpredictable one, similar in some ways to the challenges we’ve seen with China. Over the past six months, it has become increasingly evident that relying too heavily on a single export market exposes Canadian producers to significant risk.
This reality is shaping ABP’s approach as we look for ways to both protect and strengthen our industry moving forward. I likely don’t need to tell you that these trade uncertainties aren’t just abstract — they influence pricing, logistics, and long-term planning. Without strong risk management programs and a more diversified market strategy, the impact could ripple across every part of the beef value chain.

A key part of that conversation is improving risk management. July brought a major development with AgriStability: federal and provincial ministers agreed to changes to allowable expenses and inventory pricing. While these updates still require Treasury Board approval, they represent a meaningful improvement for cow-calf producers. This policy shift, after years of discussion and advocacy led by ABP, is a testament to the work of Minister Sigurdson and AFSC, and it will help deliver more stability to producer margins.

Another area of focus is expanding domestic market access, particularly through interprovincial meat trade. In Canada, meat inspection is managed at both federal and provincial levels. Federally inspected meat can move freely across provinces and be exported internationally, while provincially inspected meat is currently restricted to sales within the province where it was processed.

Approximately 97 per cent of Alberta’s beef is processed in federally inspected facilities. However, for the remaining three per cent, there may be an opportunity to allow interprovincial movement. The challenge lies in the regulatory differences between provinces, which create significant barriers. Further complicating the issue is the concern that expanding trade of provincially inspected meat could be seen as a non-tariff trade barrier by some of Canada’s international partners.

ABP’s position is that we must avoid undermining international trade relationships. That said, we are exploring options to expand domestic trade in a way that supports small processors and producers, without compromising food safety or triggering international concerns. This work includes research into producer readiness and the feasibility of a coordinated, practical approach.

Trade remains a cornerstone of Canada’s beef industry. Our relationship with the U.S. continues to be critical, but the current environment demands a more diversified and risk-aware strategy. While the U.S. remains our largest trading partner, Canada Beef is also expanding access to new markets through agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), including Japan, Vietnam, and others.

ABP is committed to supporting producers by advocating for stronger risk management, broader domestic market access, and continued engagement with both domestic and international partners.

As the trade landscape continues to evolve, we encourage producers to visit ABPDaily.com for the most current updates.

This article was first published in Volume 5 Issue 3 of ABP Magazine (Fall 2025). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.