MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is working with stakeholder partners, including the provincial government, to meet the impending threat of U.S. tariffs, say officials.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to levy 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico starting Feb. 1.
“Agriculture is not only a cornerstone of Alberta’s economy but also plays a significant role in Canada’s overall prosperity,” Brodie Haugan, chair of the ABP, told the Albertan.
“We are thankful for the ongoing efforts of Premier Danielle Smith and Minister RJ Sigurdson in advocating for our industry. Prioritizing agriculture in trade discussions is crucial for farmers, ranchers, and consumers.”
The ABP represents more than 18,000 beef cattle producers, including many in Mountain View County.
The association plans to provide updates and information through its communications channels, including ABP Daily and ABP Magazine, in the run-up to Saturday's threatened U.S. tariffs, said Debra Murphy, stakeholder relations manager with ABP.
In a statement provided to the Albertan, the Canadian Cattle Association president Nathan Phinney said tariffs would “greatly increase the cost of processing cattle and ultimately the cost of beef on both sides of the border.
“Tariffs will create significant impacts on both the Canadian and American beef and cattle industries, implicating prices, production, trade flows, and margins as well as the utilization of feedlots, packing plants, trucking, and on our other upstream and downstream partners in the supply chain.
“The impact of the tariff will be felt by beef producers across North America. The tariff will jeopardize American jobs throughout the value chain and will increase costs for citizens of both Canada and the United States at the grocery store and in restaurants.”
