Canola farming is deeply rooted in the legacy of Margaret Rigetti’s family in southern Saskatchewan, where her grandfather was one of the pioneers of this vibrant yellow crop in the 1970s. Rigetti, who currently serves as a director for SaskOilseeds, emphasizes the significance of canola not just to her family but to the broader economy of Saskatchewan. “For a large part of Saskatchewan, the farm economy has been driven by canola,” she states, underlining the emotional connection she feels when the crop is threatened. Given the crop’s status as a quintessential Canadian story, Rigetti reflects on the disruption caused by international trade conflicts. Chinese tariffs on canola products, introduced in retaliation to Canada’s own tariffs on Chinese goods, have cast a shadow over farmers like Rigetti. Compounding these challenges are the uncertainties surrounding U.S. trade policies, particularly under former President Donald Trump, which further complicated the agricultural landscape.
As Rigetti tunes in to the news more frequently to monitor developments, she acknowledges the unprecedented situation farmers face today—caught between Canada’s two largest trading partners. “We’ve seen challenges before, but we’ve never been in the crosshairs,” she admits, reflecting on the unique pressures of the current trade climate. The crop itself has a rich history, stemming from research initiatives in the 1970s aimed at removing harmful compounds from rapeseed. This led to the birth of canola—a name derived from “Canada” and “ola,” meaning oil. The crop’s versatility, being utilized in cooking oil, animal feed, and biodiesel, has resulted in significant economic benefits for farmers, particularly in Saskatchewan, where over half of Canada’s canola is grown.
In Rigetti’s yard, the operations pulsate with life as her husband and son prepare to transport harvested canola seeds to market. The emotional stakes are heightened this year as her son prepares to plant his first canola field. Rigetti is mindful of the pressures from volatile trade relations, advising caution and perspective to ensure the family’s long-term emotional well-being. Her mantra centers on what can be controlled—planting and nurturing the crop, managing costs, and maintaining mental health amid turmoil. This practical approach is a necessity in an environment rife with uncertainty, as young farmers like her son enter a market besieged by trade disputes.
Chris Procyk, another canola producer based near Fillmore, echoes Rigetti’s sentiments regarding the cyclical nature of trade disputes. He conveys the frustrations of being trapped in conflicts they did not initiate, with dire implications for the agricultural sector. Procyk, who is also the vice-president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, warns that potential U.S. tariffs on agricultural goods could magnify the existing challenges. Given that Canadian crops and fertilizers are vital to U.S. markets and vice versa, maintaining healthy trade relations is crucial. He urges the federal government to offer financial aid to farmers affected by these trade disputes, highlighting the lack of alternatives for rural agricultural businesses caught in the crossfire of international trade relations.
Historically, Canadian farms have demonstrated resilience, managing to absorb short-term economic shocks. However, Rigetti points out that prolonged trade conflicts can erode this resilience, raising troubling questions about the future. This concern is not unfounded; the Canadian agricultural sector has seen its share of trade difficulties in the past. In 2019, Canada faced a steep backlash from China when restrictions were imposed on canola imports from two significant grain companies, justified by contamination claims. This was widely viewed as a retaliatory measure linked to the detainment of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou—a diplomatic incident that spiraled into a more extensive diplomatic rift.
The fallout from the 2019 import ban was financially significant, costing the Canadian economy upwards of $2 billion, and highlighting the precarious nature of agricultural dependence on global markets. While Rigetti expresses confidence in her ability to endure short-term difficulties, she raises concerns about the long-term viability of farming under ongoing trade tensions. As canola remains a pillar of Saskatchewan’s agricultural economy, its stability in the face of geopolitical issues becomes critical, affecting not just farmers but also local communities and the national economy. Rigetti’s narrative embodies a broader Canadian story intertwining agricultural heritage, economic livelihood, and the challenges posed by international trade dynamics, creating a complex tapestry of hope and concern for the future of farming in Canada.
