For Immediate Release
Saskatoon, SK – May 13, 2025 – The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association warmly congratulates Heath MacDonald on his appointment as Canada’s new Minister of Agriculture. We welcome Minister MacDonald to this vital leadership role at a time when Canadian agriculture faces both significant challenges and generational opportunities.
“As Minister MacDonald takes on this critical position, we are eager to see campaign commitments quickly translated into meaningful action,” said Gunter Jochum, President of the Wheat Growers. “Farmers and industry leaders alike are ready to see Canada regain its competitive edge through bold regulatory reform, expanded market access, and the removal of barriers that constrain growth. These promises were made during the Ag Debate, and we stand ready to work with the Minister to help deliver on them.”
Jochum also stressed the urgent need for infrastructure investment and a stronger focus on trade competitiveness. “We’re encouraged by the government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure, but we must go further. Our ports require expansion and greater representation for the Western Canadian farmers who rely on them. It’s also time to ensure Canada’s trade system operates efficiently, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he added.
“We’re optimistic about Minister MacDonald’s leadership and his ability to drive meaningful change for our sector,” said Daryl Fransoo, Chair of the Wheat Growers. “Now is the time to move from words to decisive action. Canadian agriculture can, and should be, a global powerhouse, but that will require immediate progress on the commitments made to our industry.”
The Wheat Growers will work collaboratively with Minister MacDonald and his team to build a thriving, sustainable, and globally competitive future for Canadian agriculture. We stand ready to offer our expertise and experience to help shape policies that deliver real, measurable outcomes for farmers and the broader agri-food economy.
This is a critical moment for Canadian agriculture—let’s seize it.
About the Wheat Growers Association
Founded in 1970, the Wheat Growers is a voluntary farmer-run advocacy organization dedicated to developing public policy solutions that strengthen the profitability and sustainability of farming, and the agricultural industry as a whole.
For more information please visit: wheatgrowers.ca. Click here to see who is helping to advocate for grain farmers.
Media Contact:
Darcy Pawlik
Executive Director, Wheat Growers Association
Email: dpawlik@wheatgrowers.ca
Phone: (306) 361-5667