Calgary Chamber releases recommendations to modernize and support Alberta’s agriculture industry
Calgary, AB, March 31, 2026 – As global demand for food security grows, regions that can reliably produce and export have never been more important. From crops and cattle to ag-tech, Alberta has what the world needs and is well positioned to play a leading role.
However, challenges remain for the sector. In recent weeks, the cost of critical inputs – such as fuel and fertilizers like nitrogen and phosphate – has surged amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While canola producers received some relief earlier this month with the removal of China’s tariffs, uncertainty remains high due to ongoing questions around the Canada–U.S. trade relationship and the upcoming CUSMA review. At the same time, rising temperatures and persistent droughts are straining farmers.
“The agriculture sector has long demonstrated resilience in the face of trade disruptions and rising costs,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “But resilience alone is not enough. Our continued reliance on a small number of export markets leaves producers vulnerable to sudden policy shifts, making it harder for Canada’s agriculture sector to compete globally. There is a clear role for both federal and provincial governments to reduce these pressures – by investing in trade-enabling infrastructure, including increasing rail and port capacity – addressing labour shortages and removing interprovincial regulatory barriers that limit growth.”
The Calgary Chamber’s new report, Growing Alberta’s Global Agriculture Advantage, outlines ongoing challenges, alongside a series of recommendations aimed at modernizing the policy landscape and strengthening the sector’s long-term competitiveness. The report highlights key areas for action, including climate adaptation, workforce development, digital adoption, improved access to credit for farm succession and stronger trade infrastructure.
“With limited policy modernization since the 1980s, many of the challenges facing agriculture today remain unaddressed,” says Yedlin. “As farmers contend with increasing volatility, governments must provide greater certainty and a more supportive framework – one that enables producers to scale, innovate and compete in an increasingly complex and technological global market.”
Chamber recommendations
- Federal-Provincial
- Modernize agricultural insurance programming to keep pace with increasing climate risk.
- Coordinate immigration, housing, healthcare and community infrastructure investments to attract more people to rural communities.
- Expand funding for technology adoption and education including AI, robotics and precision agriculture.
- Continue to advance the Broadband Strategy to ensure rural connectivity by 2027.
- Federal
- Enhance access to capital for farm succession by expanding programs through Farm Credit Canada and other financial institutions.
- Update federal policies to reflect modern agricultural realities and increase digitization funding to support technology adoption and commercialization.
- Establish a permanent dedicated immigration stream to provide agricultural workers with clear pathways from temporary work to permanent residency.
- Invest in trade-enabling infrastructure and improve internal market access to reduce costs and expand market opportunities.
- Provincial
- Strengthen education-to-industry partnerships and promote agriculture through agri-science branding initiative to attract youth to careers in the industry.
- Expand upskilling programs, immigration pathways and youth outreach initiatives to strengthen the talent pipeline.
- Strengthen market access and supply chains and harmonize regulatory standards across Canada.
Quick Facts
- Alberta employs over 83,000 people in the agriculture and agri-food sector, contributing $10.3 billion to provincial GDP in 2023.
- There will be approximately 1,900 unfilled agricultural jobs in Alberta by 2030, costing the sector an estimated $3.5 billion in lost sales.
- Canada lags international peers in ag tech investment, capturing less than two per cent of global venture capital ag tech deal values in 2024.
- Alberta accounted for 19.4 per cent, $92 billion, of Canada’s total agrifood exports in 2024.
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
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