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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: October 2026

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Building A Unified Voice for Agriculture: Agriculture Updates, Supports, and News: October 2026

Headlines

Survey of Temporary Foreign Workers

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is encouraging participation among temporary foreign workers within your network. The survey is open from September 15 to November 10 and seeks feedback from temporary foreign workers on their experiences living and working in Canada. Building on a similar exercise conducted in 2023, this initiative will support ongoing assessment of the Migrant Worker Support (MWS) Program and help ESDC better understand workers’ awareness of their rights, access to supports and services, and experiences navigating life and working in Canada. Temporary foreign workers can provide their responses using a smartphone or computer with internet access. The survey can be accessed and completed both within and outside Canada, is available in 10 languages, and should take respondents approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Survey link: Survey on your experience as a temporary foreign worker in Canada. Below are survey invitation materials in all 10 survey languages.

Chinese | English | French | Hindi | Korean | Punjabi | Spanish | Tagalog | Thai | Vietnamese

Nominate a leader for the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame

Nominations are open for the biennial Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame, with a final submission deadline of October 23, 2026. Established in 1951, the award recognizes up to three exceptional individuals who have demonstrated long-term, province-wide leadership and who have made significant contributions to the agriculture and food industry and to the development and sustainability of rural life in Alberta. Submit your nomination before October 23 

New collegiate pathways build Alberta's future agriculture workforce

Students interested in agriculture have more opportunities to explore careers in the sector through a growing network of collegiate schools. This school year marks another milestone for collegiate education in Alberta with the opening of the CTR Strathmore & District Practical Ranching School in Strathmore. Operated by Christ the Redeemer Catholic Separate School Division, the new collegiate offers an agriculture-focused pathway that connects classroom learning with practical, career-oriented experiences. Read the article

35th Annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord

Alberta welcomed senior provincial and state representatives from Canada, the United States and Mexico to Calgary for the accord from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1. First established in 1992, the accord has a long history of promoting cooperation on issues that affect North America’s agricultural sector. Topics of discussion at the 2026 meetings included preventing animal disease, promoting plant health and supporting development of rural communities. Industry representatives will also attend what promises to be one of the largest Tri-National Agricultural Accords held in its history and comprised of 58 individual entities across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. Find out more.

Expanding rural broadband

Reliable and affordable high-speed internet helps Albertans access online resources, stay connected to family and friends and participate in the growing digital economy. The governments of Alberta and Canada are investing $24.8 million in two projects that will bring high-speed internet access to 1,833 households in rural and remote communities across the province. More information

Government of Canada announces Farm Credit Canada’s $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund and $150 million to Velocity Agri-Capital Partners to strengthen food security and grow the economy

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced the launch of Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, and $150 million to Velocity Agri-Capital Partners through FCC Capital’s $2 billion investment commitment.

The $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund, created and delivered by FCC, is a key commitment under the National Food Security Strategy (NFSS) and will help finance mid-market agri‑food infrastructure projects across the country. The Agri‑food Project Finance Fund will help address financing gaps, support the development of critical infrastructure and technology needed to grow Canada’s value‑added food sector, and increase domestic processing capacity. See the news release for more information.

Alberta is reopening the registration process for eligible historical agricultural water use

Amendments to the Water Act, proclaimed on March 11, 2026, restores the ability to register traditional agricultural water uses on unpatented Crown land. A Traditional Agricultural Registration is an authorization under the Water Act which allows eligible historical agricultural water uses to be formally registered. The Water Act enabled agricultural water users who used water prior to January 1, 1999, to raise animals or apply pesticides to crops to register their water use (up to 6,250 m3) and receive a priority number based off the date of first use.

This will give ranchers an opportunity to correct the record, have eligible long-standing water use reviewed and receive the recognition and priority associated with that historical use.

The reopened program applies to eligible agricultural water use that occurred before Jan. 1, 1999. Applications will be reviewed using available historical information, including aerial imagery and water well drilling records where appropriate. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2028, and about 6,800 registrations may be eligible for review. Eligible uses include water for raising animals or applying pesticides on a farm unit, up to 6,250 cubic metres per year. Applicants will be supported through guidance materials, information sessions and application assistance.

Traditional Agricultural Registrations | Traditional Agricultural Registrations application

Funding, Resources & Programs

New tax deduction aims to encourage investment in agriculture and agribusiness

The federal government has announced changes to Canada’s business tax system that it says will make it easier for companies to invest in equipment, infrastructure and technology, including the agriculture sector.

The measure would allow businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of a much broader range of investments in the year they are purchased, rather than claiming those costs over several years through the existing capital cost allowance system. Continue reading |  Read the media release

New federal fund targets food distribution infrastructure 

The Government of Canada launched the $1-billion Food-Link Fund on Oct. 14. The program will support wholesale food terminals, regional food hubs and related storage, processing and distribution infrastructure aimed at improving food supply chains and market access. For Alberta's agriculture and agri-food sectors, the fund could help strengthen regional distribution networks and connect producers with new domestic market opportunities. Expressions of interest will be accepted until Dec. 11, 2026. Find out more 

The quickest way to an approval

Applying for FCC Input Financing online is the easy, simple and fastest way to free up your cash flow anywhere, anytime. No need to wait for FCC to call to get started. Find out more

4R Registration Is Now Open

The FCC 4R Sustainability Incentive Program is accepting applications. Eligible FCC customers who implement and verify 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices may qualify for incentive payments of up to $4,000. AgExpert Field Premium can help simplify recordkeeping, support verification requirements, and streamline the application process. Apply before January 31, 2027. Learn more and apply HERE 

Government of Canada invests in safety on Canadian farms

Canadian farmers work hard every day to feed our country, but farm work comes with real risks. Investing in safety training, health awareness, and practical tools helps keep farmers, their families and farm workers safe. Agriculture Canada recently announced an investment of up to $1,071,532 over two years for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) through the AgriCompetitiveness Program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This funding will support CASA in leading activities that promote health and safety on farms. More information

Ag HR Management Program: Developed by industry experts with years of experience, this program delivers practical, actionable solutions tailored to the unique challenges of farm operations. Available training dates:

Jan 5 - Feb 23 (Tues, 10:30 AM to 12 PM ET)
Jan 5 - Feb 23 (Tues, 1:30 PM to 3 PM ET)
Jan 6 - Feb 24 (Weds, 10:30 AM to 12 PM ET)

Applications for tuition funding now open! The application intake will remain open until November 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. All applications will be reviewed and assessed after the intake period closes. Successful applicants will be notified after December 1, 2026. If you have any questions about your application, please email to vschuler@cahrc-ccrha.ca

FCC Financing built for food & beverage 

Whether you're growing, innovating or preparing for what's next, FCC can help you access the financing you need. Get started today.

AFSC Harvest 2026: Things to know this season

Harvested production report: The harvested production report is a key part of post-harvest reporting. This report, which must be filed by October 15 for perennial crop insurance and November 15 for annual crop insurance, gives the first sign if the client is in a production shortfall and eligible for coverage.

Future coverage impacts from losses. One feature of production insurance is cushioning of low yield records. Cushioning stabilizes coverage by reducing year-to-year fluctuations. More details

Additional Government & Industry News and Information

Lethbridge Polytechnic researchers debut evapotranspiration measurement tool 

Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Mueller Irrigation Research Group has developed an easy-to-use, web-based program to measure evaporation and transpiration (evapotranspiration, or ET) in agricultural settings, primarily crop and hay fields. The program, called Irrimap, uses publicly available data to show ET amounts for selected areas, from small hectare fields to whole sections. Irrimap collates data into an intuitive and understandable format, giving the user valuable insights into crop water usage from a phone, laptop or other device. More information

NEW Contractor Management Resources!

Hiring contractors brings responsibilities, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Visit the Contractor Management section of the Ag Safe Resources page at agsafeab.ca for free templates, tools and guidance to help you plan the work, communicate expectations and support safe contractor work on your farm.

Economic Update – Navigating today's economic environment

In this recorded webinar, the FCC Economics team reviews the current economic and financial variables affecting farm, food and beverage, and agribusinesses – and what to expect for the remainder of 2026.

Using statements and ratios to assess financial success

Learn about the 3 financial statements and 5 ratios every farmer needs to assess the health of their operation's bottom line.

Shape the Future of Industry

Alberta bans solar panels from landfills

Alberta is launching North America’s first solar panel recycling program to protect landfill space, recover valuable resources and build a new recycling industry. Beginning October 1, Alberta will become the first province in Canada to operate a solar panel recycling program and is banning solar panels from landfill disposal. This will ensure they are directed toward reuse and recycling when they reach the end of their useful lives. More information

Advancing swine health surveillance

Agriculture Canada recently announced up to $3,111,486 for the Canadian Pork Council through the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component to advance the scope and quality of swine health surveillance in Canada. This funding will support the development, validation and upgrading of multiplex assay technologies, which are comprehensive lab tests that can screen for multiple domestic swine viruses from a single sample. The project also includes implementing a targeted national proficiency program to support consistent testing across veterinary labs in Canada and establishing a secure surveillance database to track swine viruses. More information

Selling grain to an unlicensed buyer: Approval and sampling requirements

Before selling grain to an unlicensed buyer, producers with Agriculture Financial Services (AFSC) production insurance should understand the requirements that apply and the steps they need to take to protect their coverage. AFSC defines a licensed buyer as a grain buyer licensed by the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) as either a primary elevator or terminal elevator. AFSC only accepts receipted grades on sales from buyers holding one of these licence types.

The CGC offers several classes of licences, each with different requirements. Primary and terminal elevator are the only licence classes required to sample grain upon receipt and resolve grade and dockage issues through the CGC. More information

Investing in Alberta's water future

As Alberta grows, ensuring reliable access to water will be critical to supporting thriving communities, a strong economy and a growing agri-food sector. With water needs varying across the province, clear basin-specific information is needed to identify potential future shortages and establish a consistent approach to assessing major water infrastructure projects.

That is why Alberta’s government is seeking proposals for two studies to address these gaps, strengthen long-term water planning, establish clearer priorities and support more transparent funding decisions. Learn more

Embracing the superpower of small and mid-sized entrepreneurs

Innovation can feel intimidating, especially when entrepreneurs are uncertain whether the risk of change will yield the benefits they seek. FCC's newly released Innovation Guide: Success Through Innovation, leads small and medium-sized food and beverage processors through a series of questions towards successful innovation. Embracing the superpower of small and mid-sized entrepreneurs

BCRC 2027 Summer Internship 

The BCRC is accepting applications for its 2027 summer internship. Applicants must be available to work in the Calgary office from April through August 2027. The deadline to apply is October 30, 2026. Apply Now.

Young Agrarians Business Mentorship Network

Starting or growing a farm business can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Young Agrarians Business Mentorship Network provides new and next-generation farmers who have been in business one to ten years with practical, personalized mentorship to help build strong, resilient farm businesses. If you are farming and ready to level up your business skills, this program is for you.

Applications are open for the 2027 Business Mentorship Network cohort until October 31, 2026. Learn more and apply now

Events, Webinars and Podcasts

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association online farm safety training

Beef Cattle Research Council | 2025-2026 webinar series

Alberta Agrisystems Living Lab | Webinars

Practical Approaches for Managing Stock Water | BCRC Webinar Recap

Navigating today's economic environment | Recorded FCC Webinar

Manure Management Webinar | Virtual | October 27

Alberta Grains: New research on wheat midge resistance with Dr. Tyler Wist, Entomology Research Scientist at Agriculture Canada | October 28

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops | Virtual | October 29th, November 12, November 24

Think This is Dry? Lessons from the Dust Bowl | Virtual | October 21

Farm Management Canada: Farm Transition Workshops | Red Deer | November 10, 2026

Agri-Trade, Red Deer | November 11-13

Agricultural Excellence Conference | Calgary | November 17-19

Cypress County Ag Connections Conference | Medicine Hat | November 26

FCC Turn Risk Into Readiness | Virtual | November 26

Agronomy Update | Virtual | January 12 & 13

Other Resources

As always, you can always find more agribusiness resources on our website: https://www.southeastalbertachamber.ca/agribusiness-resources/

If you know of someone who may be interested in the work we are doing and might be interested in investing in this work through membership, please feel free to refer them to us. You can also encourage others to subscribe to our agriculture updates through this page. We look forward to continuing our work with you and pushing for our collective priorities on your behalf.

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