Canadian Budget Includes Major Cuts to Agriculture, New Incentives for Investment

Host of RealAg Radio Shaun Haney discusses how the proposed reductions to agriculture programs in Canada’s new budget could affect research and support programs that farmers need.

ALBERTA, CANADA (RFD-TV) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney released his government’s first budget on Tuesday, outlining significant spending shifts — including more than $100 million in cuts at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Host of RealAg Radio Shaun Haney joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the reductions could affect research and support programs that farmers rely on.

In his interview with RFD-TV News, Haney says it remains to be seen whether the measure will meaningfully improve competitiveness on Canadian farms. At the same time, the budget introduces a new “productivity super-deduction” to encourage business investment.

The government also emphasized trade diversification and the development of new export corridors, part of a broader effort to reduce dependence on existing markets. Haney says that while those initiatives could benefit agriculture in the long term, questions remain about how quickly producers will see results.

Related Stories
Canadian tariffs would raise costs for potash, ammonia, and UAN, increasing spring fertilizer risk.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities breaks down the outlook on grain storage and domestic supply chain strength as producers weigh planting decisions with forthcoming federal aid.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined Rural Health Matters to outline a few key reminders for parents about keeping kids healthy during the holiday season.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland shares the soybean sector outlook following the announcement of farm aid to offset losses for U.S. row crop growers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
Wed, 1/21/26 – 7:30 PM ET
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.