Farming Smarter shares input at policy conference in Halifax

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Having a regional voice is key to building a stronger future for farmers. 

That’s a message Farming Smarter’s Executive Director, Ken Coles is sharing after recently returning from Halifax, where he contributed to the conversation around the next Ag Policy Framework.   

Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture gathered for their annual conference in July and discussed the next policy framework. The ministers issued a Halifax statement which outlined the shared vision, principles and key priorities that will help guide the formation of the next Ag Policy Framework from 2028-2033.       

Coles noted discussions were held around issues and opportunities as well as shared feedback and information that will be put forward for the next policy framework. Coles put forth ideas to see agricultural research supported and said he was excited to be part of the process. 

“Engagement in the process is very important and I’m happy to be a part of it,” said Coles. “I’m taking the initiative trying to express our concerns and also our offer and desire to work together.” 

Coles is encouraging farmers and scientists to be part of the process in the next policy framework and noted that engagement and collaboration is key to ensuring their voices are heard.  

In addition to the policy conference, Coles has been working with other organizations at the national and local level, including Farmers for Climate Solutions (FCS) – a national organization that Coles participates in as a board member. He also recently joined the Lethbridge County Agricultural Services Board to get involved at the local level and be more engaged with local policy. 

“As part of that, (FCS) is actively engaged with this national (policy) process and they created a group called the resilient agricultural initiative,” explained Coles.  

“This is a brand new initiative specifically to deal with the next policy framework,” he added, noting how innovation systems are challenged today more than ever and farmers are struggling with tight margins.

“Sometimes the risk that they’re faced with is greater than they can build resilience too,” said Coles. “We want to build on farm resilience the best that we can, but the challenges that we’re facing and farmers are facing are bigger and badder than before and we need to come together as an industry and address it in a way that is successful.”  

Coles also talked about the important role that Farming Smarter is having across Southern Alberta and said it is an excellent option that can help fill the gap to ensure farmers needs are met. 

“We’ve got a lot of flexibility as a not-for-profit (organization) to be really engaged and connected to farmers in a meaningful and relevant way,” said Coles. “Our program has been growing significantly, not just for farmers but for local businesses too. We’re doing a lot of work for all of the major industries in Southern Alberta.”    

Coles noted the “agricultural powerhouse” that Southern Alberta is, and said this area deserves an organization to support science and innovation. He also stressed the importance of helping future generations of farmers across the region. 

“I think we’re at a critical juncture that we’ve got to re-engage and figure out how to get young people excited and interested in agriculture and to be valued,” he said adding that Canada needs to “invest in science and innovation in a meaningful and impactful way that supports the entire value chain and not just one part of it.”

For Coles, the one of the biggest takeaways from the policy conference in Halifax was meeting the people involved and some of the key players. 

“Building the relationships with key players in the industry is really important so that we can have a regional voice,” said Coles. “It’s happening with or without you, and you might as well be a part of it and make it what we need it to be.”