She may be a “Dragon,” but Arlene Dickinson wants farmers to be the ones slaying the real monsters: the geopolitical forces threatening industry growth.
As a featured speaker at the Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic in Niagara Falls, Dickinson didn’t hold back.
Why it matters: To mitigate the impact of tariffs and high fuel prices, Canadian farmers have been seeking new trade partners globally.
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Drawing on her own experience investing in agri-food businesses, she challenged attendees to step onto the global stage and become their own fiercest advocates. Her company District Ventures Capital is noted for investing in Canadian agriculture and food products.
She acknowledged that Canada has become a very difficult place to do business: however, she added, it is also a country full of opportunity, telling attendees they need to “use their hands and heads to build something.”
In recent years Dickinson has spent time travelling across Asia exploring business growth opportunities. She said across the globe Canada is viewed with respect and international trade partners want to do business with the country.
Canada’s moment on the global stage
She said recent conflicts and trade challenges have opened her view to Canada’s place on the global stage.
“This is our time, our moment,” she said. “What is the opportunity in front of us?”
Dickinson said that the greatest challenge to growing the agricultural sector can sometimes be Canadian farmers themselves. She reminded attendees that the United States is not Canada’s only trade partner and that the country should be building on the fact that we do not have sovereignty without food security.
She encouraged attendees to be more open to new cultures and new ideas in an effort to better expand trade opportunities. She said “hate and divisiveness” will only work against the sector’s success.
Asking attendees to reflect on what their own values are, she said, “the world needs farmers. The world needs Canadian farmers.”
Adding that beating the U.S. at the trade war game means asking “What will I stand for?” and to be willing to stand up for Canada on the world stage.
