Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry is rethinking its reliance on the U.S. as political uncertainty south of the border continues to raise concerns for producers and industry leaders.

A new report from the Angus Reid Institute and the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) finds that four out of five agriculture professionals are pessimistic about dealings with the second Trump presidency. Despite those concerns, seven-in-10 say they remain optimistic about the overall future of Canadian agriculture.

At the Advancing Women in Agriculture East Conference, business leader and speaker Anne Miner shared insights on a trait she believes every entrepreneur needs. 

“Every entrepreneur has to have grit,” Miner stresses.

Miner says it was American academic and psychologist Angela Duckworth who defined grit as passion and perseverance in pursuit of long-term goals and, inspired by that message, prompted Miner to launch Women with Grit, a community, classroom, podcast, and blog that's designed to help women strengthen their determination.

Canadian families can expect to spend nearly $1,000 more on food in 2026, according to the annual Canada Food Price Report.

The annual forecast predicts that food prices will rise by 4% to 6% nationwide, pushing the average family of four's grocery bill to $17,571.79, an increase of up to $994,63 from 2025.

Prices are now 27% higher than five years ago, and one in four households in Canada is considered food insecure. Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia are expected to face above-average increases, according to the report, produced by a coalition of eight Canadian universities that draw on climate, economic, and geopolitical data to forecast food spending and trends.

Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies

Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies

Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies

Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies

Snow and more snow. An active weather pattern this week brings significant snow to the partially buried prairies

Alberta's dairy farmers are turning generosity into action, with Alberta Milk partnering with the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation to support kids and families across the province.

Their holiday campaign, which runs until the end of December, is part of Alberta Milk's annual partnership with the foundation. Funds raised will help ensure children throughout Alberta have access to specialized care and support when they need it most.

As the ag sector sprints toward the end of 2025, there’s no shortage of energy, innovation, and conversation shaping the year ahead. In this episode of the Rural Roots Canada podcast—powered by Alberta Canola—host Tim Parent and RRC’s Craig Lester recap some of the highlights from Grow Canada in Calgary, where industry leaders gathered to discuss Canada’s role in global agriculture and how to unlock the sector’s full potential. Plus, hear insights from MP John Barlow at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference, and find out how you can have your say at Alberta Canola’s upcoming grower engagement meetings.