Should Organic Farmers in Alberta and Canada Be Worried About Tariffs or Global Conflict?

With the global population continuing to grow, and hunger still affecting millions, it’s natural to wonder: shouldn’t we just produce more food, so everyone has enough? On the surface, that seems like the obvious solution. And in many ways, modern agriculture has done exactly that. The use of fertilizers and pesticides has dramatically increased crop yields and helped feed a growing world. As someone with a background in agriculture and a strong interest in soil science, I’ve seen firsthand how important these inputs are for large-scale production.

But the reality is more complicated. Both population and hunger are two very complex problems to be understood and resolved easily. Agriculture doesn’t look the same everywhere. It varies from region to region depending on soil quality, water access, climate, technology, and economic resources. And when it comes to hunger, it’s not just about how much food is produced. In many cases, hunger is driven more by inequality, and an intermix of power and politics.

Take Canada, for example. We’re incredibly fortunate to have vast amounts of land, and despite our cold climate, we’re one of the top agricultural producers in the world. Because our population is relatively small, we export a large portion of what we grow. Most of this production relies on conventional farming methods, including fertilizers and pesticides.

Here’s where things get interesting. Even though Canada is rich in natural resources, we still rely on imports for many agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers (other than potash) and pesticides. So, when global events like the imposition of tariffs and escalating tensions involving Iran, push up the price of energy and these inputs, conventional farmers feel it. Higher input costs can significantly increase the cost of production, squeezing margins and adding uncertainty.

But what about organic farmers? Since they don’t depend on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, they’re somewhat shielded from these specific price hikes. That doesn’t mean they’re completely unaffected - costs can still rise in other ways, but the impact tends to be less direct. I saw this contrast firsthand when I volunteered at the Central Conference of Organic Alberta in Beaumont recently (March 13-14, 2026). I had the chance to meet farmers, organizers, and others in the organic space, and one thing stood out: the overall mood was upbeat, positive, and forward-looking. Interestingly, there wasn’t much talk about tariffs or global conflict. Instead, the focus was on the land, sustainability, and building a healthier future. Organic farmers, by and large, are deeply committed to environmental stewardship. They care about soil health, ecosystem, and long-term impact.

Now, whether organic farming alone can feed the entire global population is still up for debate. But that’s not necessarily the point for many in this community. Their goal is to farm in a way that does less harm, and ideally, leaves the land better than they found it. So, should organic farmers in Alberta or Canada be worried about tariffs or global conflict? Probably less so than their conventional counterparts… at least in the short term. But more importantly, their approach highlights a different way of thinking about agriculture. One that isn’t just about producing more, but about producing better.