Trade, food security among Alberta farmers’ concerns during federal election

Rural Alberta farmers like Ron Krywko are gearing up to cast their votes for the Conservative party in the upcoming election. Krywko, a grain farmer in Sturgeon County, is particularly concerned about issues like the carbon tax and China’s tariffs on Canadian canola oil. He feels that the current federal government has not been attentive to the needs of farmers like him.

Krywko, who is set to grow wheat, canola, and oats on his farm northwest of Edmonton, is hoping that the next prime minister will prioritize eliminating tariffs and securing markets for agricultural products. He laments the fact that politics has started to play a significant role in his farming operations, and he is not alone in his frustrations.

The sentiment is echoed by Shane Strydhorst, a farmer in the County of Barrhead, who emphasizes the importance of international trade for the agricultural sector. With trade disputes affecting crop planning decisions, Strydhorst emphasizes the need for a government that will focus on expanding international markets and strengthening diplomatic relations.

While trade and tariffs are top concerns for many farmers, Michiel Verheul, head grower at High Q Greenhouses, has a different perspective. As a greenhouse grower, Verheul is more interested in food security and federal business management programs like AgriStability and AgriInvest. He stresses the importance of maintaining productive agricultural acres, whether they come from greenhouse operations or field crops.

As the election campaign unfolds, Verheul, Krywko, and Strydhorst are all eager to see more attention given to agricultural issues. They believe that politicians should prioritize raising awareness about the significance of agriculture in the province and the country, and provide the necessary support to farmers. The lack of discussion on agricultural matters in the campaign has left these farmers feeling overlooked and underserved.

In conclusion, farmers in Alberta are looking for a government that will address their concerns regarding trade, tariffs, and overall support for the agricultural industry. As they prepare to cast their votes, they hope that their voices will be heard and that agriculture will be given the attention it deserves in the political landscape.