Harvest season is underway at a family-operated honey farm in central Alberta, but there’s a shadow looming over this year’s harvest as producers keep a close eye on an impending trade agreement with the United States.
Lorne Prins, the owner of Gull Lake Honey situated approximately 130 kilometers south of Edmonton, expressed his frustration amidst the ongoing operations that encompass nearly 3,000 hives spread across around 90 sites in the primary honey-producing province of Canada.
With an approaching deadline of August 19, local producers like Prins are preparing for a significant impact. The proposed 50% tariff on honey by the United States could potentially block their largest export market, as stated by Prins.
The U.S. administration’s sudden threat of the levy in July on numerous Canadian goods, including honey, has caught industry stakeholders off-guard. Previously, Canadian honey was exempt from tariffs under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on trade.
The wet summer had already raised concerns about honey production levels this year, creating additional stress for Prins. The possibility of U.S. tariffs further exacerbating the situation is a cause for worry, he mentioned.
Rod Scarlett, the executive director of the Canadian Honey Council, expressed surprise and shock at the inclusion of honey among the goods potentially facing tariffs. He highlighted that Alberta, being Canada’s leading producer, accounts for a significant portion of the national honey production.
Despite focusing on local sales, Prins anticipates being impacted by the new tariffs, foreseeing a decline in domestic prices if Canadian exporters lose access to their primary international market.
Canadian beekeepers typically export about 70% of their honey to the United States. Scarlett noted a recent surge in shipments to the U.S. as producers hurried to move their products before the tariffs come into effect.
Jeremy Olthof, the owner of Tees Bees located about 150 kilometers south of Edmonton, emphasized the added stress from the tariff threat in a year already disrupted by wet weather affecting timelines and extraction schedules.
Barbara McKenzie, the executive director of the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, warned that losing access to the U.S. market would have catastrophic effects on Canadian producers, potentially leading to immediate export collapses and financial strains.
The ripple effects of the tariff threats extend beyond the honey industry, impacting pollination and other food crops, such as canola, fruits, and vegetables, crucially reliant on the beekeeping industry.
As the deadline approaches, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) mentioned engaging with industry groups and offering existing federal programs like AgriInvest and AgriStability to assist in cushioning potential losses if a deal is not reached in time.
The Trade Minister’s spokesperson stated that Canada is actively engaging with the U.S. to resolve trade issues, while local producers like Olthof are left hoping for a swift resolution before the deadline arrives.
