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
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
Jeramy Stephens of National Land Realty breaks down current trends in the farmland real estate market and how landowners should consider water availability and its impact on land values as they plan for the year ahead.
As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues through Saturday, showcasing livestock, youth involvement, and agricultural talent, with the Junior Sale of Champions serving as the culmination of the 23-day event.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey recently spoke with Dr. Mike Vickers, a South Texas rancher, who says illegal border crossings have dramatically declined in the last year.
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.