Saskatoon, SK, Monday, October 13, 2025 – The Wheat Growers Association welcomes reports that China is prepared to lift tariffs and increase purchases of Canadian goods.
The Wheat Growers urge the Government of Canada to use this opportunity to return to a market that embraces and encourages a truly free trade economy, one where industries can flourish when given the chance.
“Farmers understand the value of markets that are open and fair,” said Gunter Jochum, President of the Wheat Growers. “When agriculture and other sectors are allowed to compete freely, the benefits ripple throughout our economy, creating growth, innovation, and opportunity for all Canadians.”
The Wheat Growers recognize that Canada is in a difficult position, where our auto industry believes it needs an artificial economy propped up by heavy tariffs and mountains of debt to sustain a lagging position on EV’s we have no hope of ever catching up on and should be putting in our rearview mirror anyway.
This impasse requires intelligent resolve and a bold strategy where every sector can thrive. Western Canadian farmers have long supported the national economy by purchasing locally built and North American brands, and will continue to do so, but we want to go further in supporting Canada when the lines become clear. The choices we make, and those we encourage all Canadians to make in support of homegrown industry, are rooted in mutual respect and a shared desire to strengthen this country. A strong farm and resource economy has always lifted our manufacturing sector, and it always will.
“Let’s come together to build the future we want,” said Jochum. “Let’s find our North Star and plan with the spirit of innovation that only Canada knows how to deliver. Let’s stop chasing someone else’s dream and instead build our own – a truly Canadian vision for prosperity, powered by Canadian ideas, Canadian needs, and Canadian technology.”
“That is leverage. That is power. That is strategy,” he added.
This vision will take time and it will take resolve. It will require a Canada that comes together as one team, committed to competing and winning on the world stage.
The Wheat Growers call on the federal government to cut tariffs, remove obstacles to trade, and commit to a united, cooperative path forward where agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and technology can all prosper together.
Media Contact:
Darcy Pawlik
Executive Director, Wheat Growers Association
Email: dpawlik@wheatgrowers.ca
Phone: (306) 361-5667
About the Wheat Growers
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.