Overview of the Promise

During his 2025 election campaign, Mark Carney pledged to increase support for farmers, ranchers, and producers, including those in the fish and seafood sectors, by providing an additional $30 million to the AgriMarketing Program. This funding was intended to help these groups access new markets for their food products and diversify away from reliance on the United States. The promise also referenced building on recent successes, such as the opening of new Agri-Food Offices abroad to facilitate market access.

Actions Taken by the Carney Government

Since taking office in late April 2025, the Carney government has engaged in several initiatives to support the agricultural sector amid challenges like U.S. tariffs and Chinese tariffs on canola. For instance, in August 2025, Prime Minister Carney announced measures to assist canola farmers affected by China's 75.8 percent tariffs, including discussions with provincial leaders like Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. These efforts focus on trade support and market diversification, aligning with the promise's goals. Additionally, the government has enhanced related programs, such as AgriStability in British Columbia, which provides higher payouts and interest-free advances to farmers facing income losses.

The AgriMarketing Program itself, administered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, continues under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, with a total budget of $129.97 million running until March 31, 2028. It supports export promotion and market development for various sectors, including red meat and halal/kosher products, which could benefit fish and seafood producers. However, there has been no public announcement or confirmation of the specific $30 million addition to this program as of August 28, 2025.

Legislation and Policy Developments

No new legislation has been proposed or passed directly tied to the $30 million AgriMarketing addition. The government has prioritized broader agricultural support through existing frameworks, such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. In July 2025, discussions around federal-provincial collaboration on agricultural policy were highlighted in farmer sentiment surveys, but these have not resulted in enacted laws expanding the AgriMarketing Program. The Carney administration has also pledged to maintain supply management systems, particularly for dairy, in trade talks, which indirectly supports market access diversification.

Progress on Specific Promise Elements

The promise emphasizes support for farmers, ranchers, producers, and the fish and seafood sectors to access new markets. Ongoing AgriMarketing activities, including funding for international market expansion like the Canadian Cattle Association's efforts, show continuity, but the additional $30 million has not been allocated. Building on recent Agri-Food Offices abroad is referenced in government statements, with Carney's team highlighting trade diversification in responses to U.S. and Chinese tariffs. Diversification away from the U.S. is evident in talks about global market opportunities, though concrete expansions tied to the pledge remain pending.

This promise is currently in progress, as the government has taken steps to support affected sectors through targeted aid and program enhancements. To become kept, the Carney government must officially allocate and announce the additional $30 million to the AgriMarketing Program, potentially through a budget update or ministerial directive, and demonstrate its use in opening new markets. It would be considered broken if the funding is not provided by the end of the fiscal year or if the program is scaled back without equivalent support.

Overall Status

This promise is in progress.