The evolving U.S. and global tariff situation has caused significant concern and uncertainty for Canadians and farm businesses since January 2025. Canada is now facing trade disruptions that are impacting Canadian farms in many ways.
At COG, we are here to support and advocate for farmer interests at the national level. We also encourage farmers to reach out to their provincial organic representatives, who are providing guidance and leadership within their regions.
With the reality of current tariffs and threats of future tariffs – including on key agricultural goods – Canadian organic farmers should be prepared for potential market disruptions, price shifts, and input cost volatility. This is a good time to assess your market diversity, strengthen local and regional sales channels, and stay connected to track impacts and advocate for support. Resilience starts with informed decisions and strong community ties, and we hope this page provides useful resources.
The Canadian Organic Alliance is working to support Canadian farms and businesses.
The Canadian Organic Alliance (COA) — made up of Canadian Organic Growers (COG), the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), and the Organic Federation of Canada (OFC) — represents the organic value chain nationally and is engaged in advocacy on your behalf.
COTA, as the lead on trade for the COA, is providing national leadership on tariffs and implications for the organic sector.
COTA has an excellent resource page for organic businesses, including a detailed timeline of updates and changes, and available supports:
U.S. Tariffs
On February 1, 2025, the U.S. announced the implementation of tariffs on all goods originating from Canada, Mexico, and China. This included a 25% tariff on all Canadian-origin goods exported to the U.S., with the exception of energy resources, which were subject to a 10% tariff. These tariffs on Canadian goods came into effect on March 4, following a one-month delay.
As of March 7, the U.S. has paused tariffs on Canadian imports that qualify for duty-free preferential treatment under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
In response, effective March 4, Canada implemented 25% counter-tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods. A list of specific products subject to these counter-tariffs can be found here.
Chinese Tariffs
On March 8, 2025, China announced the imposition of 100% tariffs on Canadian canola oil, canola meal, and peas, as well as 25% tariffs on certain pork, fish and seafood products, effective March 20. In response, the Government of Canada announced support measures for the agricultural sector on March 22, 2025.
Resources on Tariffs
- Agriculture and agri-food trade between Canada and the United States and Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – key resources and information for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector regarding the bilateral trade situation.
- Canada Tariff Finder – Government of Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada & Export Development Canada – a tool that enables Canadian businesses to check import or export tariffs for specific goods and markets, with a focus on countries with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement.
- U.S. Tariffs 2025 – Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) – resource page outlining impacts of tariffs on the organic sector and available resources.
- Trump-Proofing your Organic Field Crop Rotation – Organic Grain Hub – a report assessing risks that Canadian organic field crop traders, processors and producers face in the case of U.S. trade tariffs on these products.
Support Local
At COG, we believe in supporting local, Canadian-made products always – not just in times of crisis, but always. If you’re not already choosing local, now is a great time to start.
Tariff threats, like the COVID pandemic, are highlighting Canada’s dependence on food imports and the vulnerabilities of our food system. These challenges underscore the urgent need for Canada to build robust, diverse local economies that can withstand disruption and ensure food security.
Using our purchasing power as consumers is one of the most effective ways to support a resilient and diverse food system.
To help you take action, we’ve assembled a list of resources to support buying local and Canadian-made:
- Learn why buying local matters and discover what a CSA (community supported agriculture) program is
- Shop directly from local farms or farmers’ markets using these provincial directories
- Consider joining a CSA program this year with a local farm in your area
- Learn more about local and independent food networks and explore independent food businesses in your area
- Engage in conversations with friends, family, and community about the importance of supporting local; share this resource list to help them get started
- Advocate for local economic development in your municipality
Much like the principles of biodiversity in nature, diversity in our food system builds resilience, strength, and opportunities for adaptation, change, and abundance. We have choices, and our choices matter—support local!
Get in Touch
The Canadian Organic Alliance is here to support organic farms and businesses through this situation. We encourage you to reach out to us with your questions or to share your challenges and perspectives. This will help us guide our advocacy efforts. Please contact:
Katie Fettes
Director of Policy and Research