The Yukon Party is urging the government to boost buy-local initiatives for Yukon agricultural products to support the local economy and address challenges arising from economic uncertainty and the sweeping tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Sandy Silver, the Yukon government finance minister, introduced a motion in the Yukon Legislative Assembly on March 26 endorsing the Yukon government’s responses to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. These responses include the development and implementation of buy-local campaigns, supported by the local chambers of commerce.
The Yukon Party has recommended strategies to the Yukon government for implementing buy-local campaigns. These include advocating for specific measures to protect Yukon farmers from economic uncertainty, according to a press release by the party on March 31.
The press release suggests Yukon egg producers could scale up production with better access to diverse markets. It also claims the government could do more to purchase local products and services from Yukoners.
Hannah Fish, executive director of the Yukon Agricultural Association, told the News in an email that buy-local campaigns have previously prompted more businesses to promote Yukon-grown products on their packaging, which increased consumer interest, she said.
“The buy-local campaigns have led to a surge in consumer interest, driving more traffic to the Yukon Agricultural Association as consumers seek to connect with local producers,” Fish said.
While these campaigns have had some success in the agricultural sector, Fish highlighted that supply chain disruptions, limited access to food processing facilities, transportation issues and restricted market access still pose significant challenges for Yukon food producers.
In response to U.S. tariffs, the Yukon government has committed to reducing interprovincial trade barriers and providing businesses with easier access to non-U.S. markets, according to a statement by the premier’s office on April 3.
The Yukon Party is also urging the government to reduce red tape for farmers, describing it as a “burden” on the Yukon private sector, according to a press release. The party’s communications advisor and press secretary, Tim Kucharuk, told the News that the Yukon Party is calling for a red tape reduction strategy to apply broadly to all bureaucracy.
“Our call for a red tape reduction strategy is not unique to any one sector or industry — it would apply to all of the government’s work,” Kucharuk wrote.
The Yukon Agricultural Association told the News that farmers face delays in many aspects of the bureaucratic work involved in running a farming operation. Land applications, permitting, water licensing and land use planning are examples of barriers that slow the growth of agricultural businesses, according to Fish.
“Delays in land applications, permits, water licences and land use planning are significant barriers that hinder agricultural production and slow its growth. Improved coordination and streamlined efficiency between all levels of government are essential to supporting the industry effectively,” Fish wrote.
The Yukon Agricultural Association emphasized the need for government initiatives designed to help farmers to be followed through with actionable steps. The Yukon government currently purchases local food from Yukon farmers for schools, hospitals and jails, according to the government.
“Government initiatives need to be followed through. Simply expressing support for agriculture is one thing, but turning that support into actionable steps is another. The government could use locally produced foods for its banquets, events and programs, but unfortunately, we don’t see this happening nearly as often as it should,” Fish wrote.
Fish noted that including propane in the Yukon Fuel Tax Credit or the Federal Carbon Tax Rebate could significantly reduce financial strain on Yukon farmers. She added that farmers face increasing production and transportation costs, as well as staffing shortages and housing challenges.
“Farming in the Yukon faces unique challenges, from high energy and transportation costs to a shorter growing season, all of which increase production expenses. The lack of economies of scale, compounded by limited labour and housing access, makes it hard for farmers to stay competitive, especially when up against cheaper imported goods,” Fish wrote.
Reducing reliance on imported goods addresses some of these economic challenges for Yukon farmers, such as high transportation costs and a lack of economies of scale. Buy-local campaigns have created greater demand for Yukon-grown products, allowing farmers to better compete against cheaper imports, Fish wrote.
By supporting and expanding local supply chains, buy-local campaigns have enabled Yukon farmers to scale up businesses and provide consumers with a greater variety of products. Increased consumer spending on locally produced goods has alleviated financial burdens and created opportunities for businesses to invest in sustainable infrastructure and long-term growth initiatives, she added.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
