Harvest season is in full swing at a family-operated honey farm in central Alberta, but a shadow looms over this year’s crop as producers face uncertainty over a trade agreement with the United States. Lorne Prins, the owner of Gull Lake Honey situated about 130 kilometers south of Edmonton, expressed frustration as the looming August 19 deadline threatens a proposed 50% U.S. tariff on honey, potentially closing off a vital export market for local producers.
The unexpected threat of tariffs by the U.S. administration in July on various Canadian goods, including honey, has caught industry stakeholders off guard. This move, following the exemption of Canadian honey from tariffs under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on trade, has added to the stress caused by a damp summer affecting honey production levels.
Rod Scarlett, the executive director of the Canadian Honey Council, voiced surprise over honey being included among the goods facing potential tariffs. With Alberta being Canada’s leading honey producer, representing a significant portion of national honey production, the industry’s revenue surpassed $241 million in 2025.
While Lorne Prins predominantly sells locally, he anticipates adverse effects from the new tariffs, foreseeing a significant drop in domestic honey prices if Canadian exporters lose access to their primary international market. Canadian beekeepers typically export around 70% of their honey to the U.S., leading to a surge in exports as producers rushed to send shipments south before the tariffs take effect.
Barbara McKenzie, the executive director of the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, warned of catastrophic consequences for Canadian producers if access to the U.S. market is lost. Beyond honey, the ripple effects would extend to pollination services for canola, fruit, and vegetable crops, impacting billions of dollars across the agriculture industry.
As the clock ticks down towards the deadline, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has engaged with industry groups to discuss potential impacts. While existing federal programs like AgriInvest and AgriStability can provide support, uncertainty remains as local producers anxiously await a resolution before time runs out.
