Harvest operations are currently underway at a family-operated honey farm in central Alberta, but there is concern looming over this year’s honey crop due to a trade agreement with the United States. Lorne Prins, the owner of Gull Lake Honey, situated approximately 130 kilometers south of Edmonton, expressed frustration over the situation. With nearly 3,000 hives spread across around 90 locations in Alberta, the potential impact of a proposed 50% U.S. tariff on honey is causing worry among local producers.
The deadline of August 19 has many producers, including Prins, on edge as the proposed tariff threatens to hinder their access to a significant export market. The sudden threat of tariffs on Canadian honey by the U.S. administration, previously exempt under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), has caught industry stakeholders off guard. Additionally, the wet summer has already raised concerns about honey production levels this year, adding to the stress caused by the tariff uncertainty.
Rod Scarlett, the executive director of the Canadian Honey Council, expressed surprise at the inclusion of honey among goods potentially facing tariffs. With Alberta being Canada’s largest honey producer, accounting for 40% of the industry’s production, the impact of these tariffs could be significant. Despite primarily selling locally, Prins anticipates a negative impact on domestic prices if the top international buyer is lost.
Canadian beekeepers typically export around 70% of their honey to the United States. Scarlett noted a recent surge in exports as producers rushed to send shipments south before the tariffs come into effect. The tariff threat has added stress for Jeremy Olthof, the owner of Tees Bees, who highlighted the challenges posed by wet weather this year, leading to disruptions and delays in extraction schedules.
Barbara McKenzie, the executive director of the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, emphasized the catastrophic consequences of losing access to the U.S. market for Canadian producers. The potential collapse of exports could have far-reaching ripple effects, impacting not just the honey industry but also pollination activities crucial for various food crops.
In response to the looming threat, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has engaged with industry groups to discuss potential impacts. Existing federal programs such as AgriInvest and AgriStability are available to cushion losses if a deal is not reached. While the deadline for AgriStability has passed for this year, applications may still be considered under certain conditions.
Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc’s spokesperson mentioned ongoing intensive engagements with the U.S. to address trade issues but refrained from further comments during negotiations. As local producers like Olthof anxiously await the outcome, the hope remains for a timely resolution to avert the potentially damaging effects of the tariff threat.