Toews releases plan to support agriculture in Alberta

July 27, United Conservative Party leadership candidate Travis Toews released his plan to support and strengthen the agriculture sector in Alberta.

The plan includes measures to improve competitiveness, cut red tape, reduce costs, and defend hardworking Alberta farmers from continued attacks on their livelihoods from Ottawa.

“As a rancher and cattleman, I know the last few years have been incredibly challenging for the agriculture producers who are so vital to the heritage and economy of all Alberta communities,” said Toews. “Extreme weather, global supply chain issues and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have all taken their toll on our industry. I’m committed to making our agriculture sector more competitive and better able to meet the challenges that lie ahead.”

If chosen by UCP members to be their next leader and Premier, Toews would:

• Introduce a non-refundable 12% Manufacturing and Processing tax credit for capital investments for agriculture and food processing to keep us competitive with our neighbours while protecting taxpayers.

• Make it easier for farm workers to get their Class 1 licence by creating a separate training framework for drivers of farm-plated vehicles.

• Improve business risk management programs to reflect current realities.

• Encourage increased nitrogen production in our strong petrochemical sector to reduce costs and improve availability of fertilizer for Alberta farmers.

• Defend and advance the interests of Alberta’s farmers by working to improve global market access for Alberta’s agriculture products and by ensuring federal regulations, especially around nitrogen, recognize best practices and do not unduly impact our ability to make a living by feeding the world. “I understand the challenges in the agricultural sector, but I also understand the great opportunity for us to increase production and value-added processing in Alberta,” said Toews. “These reforms, on top of Alberta’s tax and regulatory advantages, will position our farmers and ranchers to make the most of these opportunities.”