The Big Story Weekend listen: Are Canadian farmers going to be okay after the latest tariff threat?
Aug 17, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Mike von Massow, a Professor in the Department of Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics at the University of Guelph, dives into the pressing challenges facing Canadian farmers. The recent tariff threats from China on canola exports raise serious concerns about financial stability for the agricultural sector. Von Massow discusses the potential repercussions on pricing, demand, and trade relations. He also touches on the broader implications of these tariffs for Canadian agriculture and the intricate dynamics of dairy supply management.
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Tariff Is Political Retaliation
- Mike von Massow says China's 75% tariff on canola is political retaliation, not a WTO-standard response.
- He warns losing China as a buyer is a big, immediate shock because two-thirds of exports went there.
Timing Magnifies Farmer Pain
- The canola crop is already in the ground so farmers cannot change planting and face falling prices at harvest.
- Von Massow explains timing magnifies pain because farmers already spent spring input costs.
Storage And Cash-Flow Crunch
- Elevators lack spare capacity so blocked exports will force outside storage and lower quality.
- Von Massow notes this creates cash-flow stress as farmers carry operating loans against depreciating inventory.