APAS representatives spent the week in Ottawa meeting with Members of Parliament, federal officials, Senators, Chinese Embassy officials, and agricultural leaders from across Canada to advance producer priorities. APAS also participated in Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) Board meetings, representing Saskatchewan producers in national discussions on issues affecting Canadian agriculture.
Representing Producers at Senate Agriculture Committee Hearings
APAS President Bill Prybylski appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Forestry as part of its national study examining agriculture's role in Canada's food security future. Industry leaders from across the country, including AGT Food and Ingredients CEO Murad Al-Katib, are participating in discussions focused on strengthening Canada's agri-food sector and supporting long-term food security.
The hearings are closely tied to the federal government's National Food Security Strategylaunched in June this year, a multi-year initiative focused on strengthening food production, processing, infrastructure, and supply chain resilience across Canada.
During discussions, APAS highlighted the importance of ensuring producers remain at the centre of policy development and emphasized priorities including:
Reducing regulatory barriers that limit competitiveness
Supporting value-added processing and domestic investment
Strengthening transportation and supply chain infrastructure
Improving competition and market opportunities throughout the food system
Creating conditions that allow family farms to remain viable for future generations
For Saskatchewan producers, these discussions are important because decisions made today will influence future investments, regulations, and opportunities throughout the agricultural value chain.
Positive Trade Discussions with Chinese Embassy Officials
APAS also met directly with officials from the Chinese Embassy to discuss agricultural trade and the importance of stable, predictable market access for Saskatchewan producers.
The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing tariff concerns, the importance of commercial certainty, and the value of maintaining strong agricultural relationships between Canada and China. Discussions were constructive and focused on the mutual benefits that agricultural trade provides to producers, processors, and consumers in both countries.
Embassy officials highlighted several upcoming meetings and engagement opportunities between Canadian and Chinese representatives over the coming weeks, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen dialogue and advance shared interests in agriculture and trade. APAS emphasized the importance of ensuring these discussions translate into meaningful progress for Saskatchewan's export-dependent canola, pulse and pork sectors.
As an export-oriented province, Saskatchewan's agricultural success depends on reliable access to international markets. APAS will continue advocating for the removal of trade barriers and the advancement of policies that support market certainty, profitability, and long-term growth for producers.
National Advocacy Through the Canadian Federation of Agriculture
As Saskatchewan's representative on the Canadian Federation of Agriculture Board, APAS participated in CFA meetings focused on national agricultural priorities, helping ensure Saskatchewan perspectives are reflected in federal advocacy efforts.
Other Key Highlights
Advocated for improved export sales reporting and market transparency.
Promoted solutions to support farm transitions and intergenerational farm transfers.
Raised concerns about tariff barriers affecting canola, pulses, and farm equipment parts and implements.
Discussed transportation infrastructure, fertilizer security, and business risk management programming.
Advocated for a Canadian feedstock preference under the Clean Fuel Regulations, transparent farm-level impact reporting, long-term policy certainty to support investment in domestic processing, and expanded production incentives that include Canadian ethanol.
