THUNDER BAY — With the trade war stirring uncertainty in the agricultural industry, the chair of the Thunder Bay Soil and Crop Improvement Association encourages residents to shop local.
Chair Andrew Brekveld said there is definitely a push for more local products to be used.
“On the beef side, I know the demand for local beef has steadily increased," said Brekveld.
"As far as dairy farmers go, everyone’s looking for that blue cow on their milk products, which is great for us and we really appreciate the support that we get from our Canadian consumers."
He added that now is more of a time when people need to be focused on being Canadian and supporting the local economy.
“At this point, I’d say we’re okay for now. Where I could see stuff coming is fertilizer supply and some… for our equipment and such," said Brekveld.
"As far as our ability to be able to sell product I’d say we’re okay to sell. It’s just the purchasing we have to do to keep ourselves running might be affected."
Paul Moore, the operations manager at Halfway Motors Power Sports and Turf, the local John Deere Lawn and Garden dealer, also spoke about how tariffs affect their business and other local agriculture organizations.
He said everything they have is compliant with the trade agreements that are currently in place and are so far exempt.
However, he agreed that the tariffs have created a tense selling atmosphere.
“Everyone’s a little bit on edge and worried, so it is a little different in the marketplace right now than it would have been six months ago," said Moore.
"But, so far, we’re in the clear other than just having to have some more conversations with customers. That’s all that’s really changed for us so far."
These concerns by the agricultural industry were highlighted at the 2025 Spring Farm Conference at the Fort William Historical Park, which continued on Thursday.
