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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: July 2026

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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: July 2026

Headlines

Cypress County Receives $222,000 to Strengthen Agrifood Resilience and Workforce Development

Cypress County has secured $222,000 in funding through the Canada-Alberta Workforce Resilience Initiative to help strengthen the region's agrifood sector in response to evolving trade conditions and tariff pressures.

The project will support a comprehensive strategy focused on two key areas: assessing value-added agri-food processing opportunities and developing a workforce strategy to support future industry growth within Cypress County. Through the initiative, Cypress County will work with producers, industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and municipal partners to better understand the impacts of tariffs on locally grown crops and beef while identifying opportunities to keep more agricultural products within the region for processing and value-added production. Read the full release here.

Help shape how AFSC connects with Alberta’s agriculture community

AFSC is seeking to better understand how producers and agribusinesses prefer to receive information, stay informed and learn about programs and services through an anonymous survey. Responses will help AFSC make more thoughtful decisions about how they communicate and where they focus their efforts. AFSC values your time and input and appreciate you being part of our community. More information | Take the survey

Introducing CAHRC's Monthly AgHR Check-In 

CAHRC is launching a new monthly Ag HR Check-In, a virtual opportunity for producers, farm managers or HR professionals to connect, discuss workforce challenges, and share practical solutions with peers from across the industry. Attend one or more of the upcoming sessions here.

Shaping the Future of Agriculture - Why the Next Agricultural Policy Framework Matters to Southeast Alberta

Agriculture is not just an industry in Southeast Alberta - it is a cornerstone of our economy, communities, supply chains, and way of life. From primary production and food processing to transportation, equipment, research, and agribusiness services, agriculture supports thousands of jobs and drives economic activity across our region.

That is why the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is closely following the development of Canada's Next Agricultural Policy Framework (2028-2033), the federal-provincial-territorial agreement that will guide agricultural investments, programs, and priorities for the next five years. The framework will replace the current Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and help shape how governments support producers, processors, and agricultural businesses across the country. Read more in our latest Advocacy Insights article.

Federal investment supports growth and market access for Canada’s beef sector

The federal government is investing more than $4 million through the AgriMarketing Program to support market development and trade advocacy for Canada’s beef sector. For Alberta's beef industry, the funding supports export diversification and continued access to key global markets at a time of ongoing trade uncertainty.

This initiative aligns with Chamber policy priorities supporting expanded market access, export diversification and the competitiveness of Alberta’s agriculture sector. The Southeast Alberta Chamber is pleased to see the investments in Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattle Association, as the local Chamber has worked with the Canadian Cattle Association over the years on key advocacy priorities and we recognize the importance local producer voices and perspectives in global policy decisions. Learn more

Complete your Census of Agriculture

The 2026 Census of Agriculture is underway and it is not too late for farm operators to complete their questionnaire. Farm operators, agricultural associations and businesses rely on these data to make informed decisions that impact farm operations across Canada. Data from the Census of Agriculture help build a clearer picture of Canadian agriculture today, so programs, policies and services can better support the farming families of tomorrow. The future of farming starts with being counted. If you’re a farm operator, don’t forget to fill out the 2026 Census of Agriculture questionnaire today at census.gc.ca

Funding, Resources & Programs

Government of Alberta - Resiliency and Public Trust Program

The Resiliency and Public Trust Program supports Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sectors by enhancing resilience, promoting best practices, and strengthening public trust through awareness, education, and improved assurance systems. Learn more here.

Alberta Grains Community Impact Awards 

Behind every strong agricultural community are people who step up: leaders, volunteers and advocates who make a lasting impact. The Alberta Grains Community Impact Awards were created to recognize those individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference on the farm, in the industry or in their community.

The three award categories are: 

  • Outstanding Contribution
  • Emerging Leader
  • Delegate Distinction

The deadline to submit nominations is July 31. Learn more and nominate someone today

Canada’s Young Farmers 

Canada’s Young Farmers is a new national initiative dedicated to connecting, supporting, and amplifying the voices of young farmers and young agricultural leaders across the country. Canada’s Young Farmers responds to a clear desire for stronger national collaboration and connection across the young farmer community. The program will focus on supporting farmers under 40 and provide opportunities for leadership and professional development, mentorship, networking, learning events, resources, and tools tailored to priorities identified by young farmers, including:

  • Farm financial literacy
  • Risk management and business planning
  • Farm transition and succession planning
  • Farm leadership and governance
  • Communications and advocacy
  • Industry engagement and representation

Visit the new Canada’s Young Farmers website to explore young farmer organizations, programs, resources, and events, and stay up to date on upcoming opportunities: www.cyf-rac.ca. You can provide content related to upcoming events, funding opportunities, resources, and leadership opportunities that may be of interest to young farmers. If you have something you would like shared through Canada’s Young Farmers channels, please send it to Info@CYF-RAC.ca. CYF is actively welcoming additional support from industry partners interested in investing in the next generation of Canada’s agricultural leaders.

Ag for Life Agriculture Labour Task Force Grant Program

To support processors and producers, Alberta, in partnership with the federal government, is providing funding to Agriculture for Life to help companies recruit, hire and retain workers in the agriculture and agri-food industry. The funding will provide eligible companies with grants to increase public awareness of agricultural career opportunities, as well as human resources training to support worker retention. Learn more abour the two streams here.

AgPal Program and Service Provider

AgPal helps farmers and agri-businesses find relevant resources by gathering agricultural information and presenting it all in one place. Search and navigation tools make it quick and easy to find exactly what you are looking for. Find programs, services, market intelligence, research and more! Explore the finder here.

Strychnine Safety Resources

With emergency use approvals now in place to control Richardson’s ground squirrels in select areas, many Albertans are asking important safety questions. If strychnine bait will be used on your operation, or near it, it is important to understand the risks, safe storage, handling and use as well as the signs and symptoms of exposure. AgSafe Alberta has put together a number of resources to learn more about strychnine safety.

4-H Alberta Launches New Legacy Leaders Initiative

As 4-H Alberta continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s members and leaders, the organization is excited to introduce the Legacy Leaders Program. This enhanced leadership initiative builds upon the strong foundation established by Key Leaders while providing increased training, clearer role expectations, expanded resources, and a focused approach to district and regional support. Learn more

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Canadian grain grading changes for the 2026-2027 crop year

The Canadian Grain Commission is updating grain grading procedures for amber durum, wheat and lentils for the 2026-27 crop year. These changes are being made following consultation with grain sector stakeholders and recommendations from the standards committees. They will allow Canada’s quality assurance system to better meet the needs of the sector and grain buyers around the world. Learn about the changes

Effective July 1, 2026, the Canadian Grain Commission has updated the following:

More grain grading changes for the 2026-2027 crop year will be released on August 1, 2026.

The Mark of Remarkable

The new, official logo for Alberta Whisky sets the stage for it to stand out around the world and will serve as a trusted mark of a made-in-Alberta, premium world-class spirit. The logo features images of Alberta grains, water and landscapes within the Alberta shield. By law, Alberta Whisky must be made using 100 per cent Alberta water and a defined proportion of grains sourced from local farms, anchoring production in Alberta’s agriculture sector. Participation is voluntary, but only products that meet these standards may use the designation “Alberta Whisky” or display the official logo. More information

Always Read and Follow the Label

Before you apply any crop protection product, read and follow the label for application rate, timing and pre-harvest interval (PHI). Improper or off-label use of pesticides is illegal and may result in unacceptable residues, putting market access at risk. More information

CAAIN Receives up to $6.25M from AAFC

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) is pleased to announce it has been selected by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to receive up to $6.25 million in funding. This investment, delivered through the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) – Research and Innovation Stream, establishes CAAIN as a key accelerator in driving the development of sustainable agricultural solutions. Read more here.

CFIA updates livestock traceability regulation direction

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced it will not proceed at this time with proposed cattle movement reporting requirements under its revised livestock traceability regulations. According to the CFIA, updated traceability requirements for other livestock species will continue to progress, while proposed cattle and bison movement reporting requirements will not proceed as the agency continues discussions with industry. Read the CFIA statement

Serving up fresh value-added investment in Alberta

GDE Grocery Delivery E-Services Canada Inc., commonly known as HelloFresh, has received conditional approval for an Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit of up to $2.3 million for its investment in a new state-of-the-art agri-food processing facility in Calgary. The company was also awarded a grant of up to $1.3 million through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Emerging Opportunities Program, which supports projects focused on innovation, company growth and sector impact. More information

Do you get the AgSafe newsletter?

Did your inbox recieve the July AgSafe newsletter? Don't worry - we got you. Click here to view the July Newsletter - your farm safety news source.

Growing the Canadian beef sector

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald recently announced an investment of over $4 million for two beef and cattle organizations through the AgriMarketing Program, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Canada Beef is receiving up to $3,741,046 over two years (2026-2028) to build a dynamic, profitable and competitive Canadian beef and veal industry by increasing awareness and demand for high-quality Canadian beef and veal among domestic and international customers. The Canadian Cattle Association is receiving up to $300,000 over two years (2026-2028) to defend and grow market access for Canadian beef by advancing trade advocacy, strengthening key international relationships, and promoting evidence-based, trade-supportive rules. More information

Farm Real Estate Values - What Sellers, Buyers and Families Need to Know

It is no secret that farmland is worth more than ever before. With so much on the line for producers making decisions about land, it is more important than ever to understand what influences farm real estate values. Learn more

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

Alfalfa Seed Commision of Alberta Summer Tour, Rosemary | July 21

Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women, Brooks | July 22 & 23

Environmental Farm Plan Virtual Workshops | July 22, August 12, and August 28

Farm Transition Planning Seminar | July 28 - Join the waitlist

Pasture Powerup, Patricia | August 5

Alberta Open Farm Days - Learn more and get ready! | August 15-16

Swath Grazing Strategies for Livestock Producers - Virtual | August 17

Ranching Like a 12yr Old - Virtual | August 19

Grazing Cover Crops: Partnerships in Practice - Virtual - August 20

Other Resources

As always, you can always find more agribusiness resources on our website: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/agribusiness-resources/

If you know of someone who may be interested in the work we are doing and might be interested in investing in this work through membership, please feel free to refer them to us. You can also encourage others to subscribe to our agriculture updates through this page. We look forward to continuing our work with you and pushing for our collective priorities on your behalf.

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