Agriculture leaders from across Alberta brought their concerns directly to the Legislature this week, with Lakeland representation at the table as part of ongoing advocacy for farmers and producers.

Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr met with Team Alberta Crops alongside several provincial colleagues, hearing firsthand from groups representing tens of thousands of producers across the province.

Producers highlight key challenges

The coalition includes organizations such as Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Beekeepers Commission and others, all working to address common challenges facing the agriculture sector.

Cyr said discussions focused on several priorities impacting producers locally and across Alberta, including:

• Market access and trade opportunities
• Transportation and infrastructure to move crops efficiently
• Investment in research and innovation
• Access to crop protection tools
• A stable and predictable regulatory environment

There was also a strong emphasis on balancing environmental stewardship with the economic realities farmers face.

“Here in the Lakeland, agriculture is not just an industry, it is a way of life,” Cyr said. “Protecting our producers’ livelihoods… remains critically important.”

Gopher control tool approved for temporary use

The meeting also came alongside new federal approval for the emergency use of two per cent liquid strychnine for gopher control — a decision Cyr said will provide relief to producers heading into the growing season.

The product had previously been restricted, with producers raising concerns about the impact on crop protection.

According to Cyr, the approval includes safeguards such as mandatory training, monitoring requirements and measures to reduce risk to non-target species.

“We heard clearly from producers about the impact of the ban, and this is what happens when those voices are brought forward and acted on,” he said.

Local impact in the Lakeland

Agriculture remains a key economic driver in northeastern Alberta, supporting both local economies and broader food supply chains.

Cyr said local farmers and ranchers play a critical role not only in production but also in environmental stewardship.

“Our farmers and ranchers take pride in being responsible stewards of the land… supporting not only our local economy, but also food security for families across Alberta and beyond,” he said.

Continued advocacy expected

Cyr said he plans to continue working with producer groups and government to ensure agriculture priorities in the Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. Paul region are addressed.

The meeting highlights ongoing pressure from the agriculture sector for practical supports — particularly as producers navigate rising costs, regulatory changes and evolving market conditions.