Thought leadership

Tariffs are noise—
the real story Is Canadian farmland’s global future

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Canadian Flag with stalks of dried wheat | Crescero Natural Capital

I was born and raised on a farm in Ontario. From a young age, I was working the land, learning firsthand what it means to grow food, manage risk, and care deeply about the future of people and the planet. That upbringing shaped everything I do today as the founder of Crescero Natural Capital. I’ve built my career around farmland investment—not only for its solid financial fundamentals but because I see Canadian farmland as a key long-term asset for Canada and the global food system.

Right now, there’s a lot of noise in the headlines about tariffs, trade disputes, and geopolitical tensions. China has imposed 100% tariffs on Canadian canola, peas, and pork. The U.S. has levied a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, leading to over $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs from Ottawa. These moves have created real challenges for our producers. But despite this noise, one thing is clear: the world needs Canada.

Canada has what the world needs

We are incredibly fortunate in this country. Canada has some of the most productive soils on the planet, abundant clean water, a temperate climate, a vast and diverse land base, and a farming community that knows how to grow safe, high-quality food efficiently and responsibly. These fundamentals aren’t changing—they’re only becoming more valuable with time.

Only about 3% of the earth’s surface qualifies as productive farmland, and we’re losing roughly 30 million acres of it every year to erosion, urban expansion, and climate pressures. That’s an alarming trend. It means land like we have here in Canada is not just valuable—it is irreplaceable.

That’s why I believe, without hesitation, that Canadian farmland will continue to appreciate in value over the long term. Not because it’s fashionable but because it’s fundamental. Humans need to eat—and every single year, we’re adding 70 million more mouths to feed. That’s the equivalent of adding two Canadas to the global population annually.

Tariff or no tariff—the planet (humans) will need more food, and Canada is in a position to produce it.

Tariffs are a wake-up call

Rather than letting tariffs discourage us, they are a wake-up call for Canada. It’s time we rethink how we engage with the world. We must diversify our global trade relationships and focus on building deeper partnerships with countries that genuinely value what Canada offers—countries that want to work with us, not exploit us. Our strength in food production should be a foundation for mutual benefit, not one-sided dependence.

But I believe this wake-up call can go even further—it can be a catalyst. A catalyst for investing more in value-added food production rather than continuing to ship so much of what we grow in its raw, primary state. There’s a clear opportunity to expand domestic processing, packaging, and innovation—so that more economic value stays with our farmers, rural communities, and country.

By investing in these areas, we not only create a more resilient and diversified food system, but we also grow Canada’s GDP and strengthen the financial health of our agriculture sector. These opportunities—to feed the world, to add value at home, and to lead globally—only exist because of what we already have in place: the land, the climate, the water, the people, and the know-how.

The opportunity is right in front of us. Let’s not miss it.

Farmland is more than an investment—it’s a legacy

Farmland isn’t just an asset on a balance sheet. It’s a living, breathing part of our country’s future. It’s where the next generation of farmers will grow the food we all depend on. It’s where absolute, measurable impact happens—food security, carbon sequestration, and rural communities that are too often overlooked.

And yet, it’s also one of the most dependable investments I know. Unlike other industries, the demand for food doesn’t go away. It doesn’t matter if the stock market is up or down—people still eat. That’s why Canadian farmland has delivered stable, long-term returns with less volatility and more resilience than most traditional assets. Even during COVID-19 and even during interest rate hikes, farmland held strong.

A vision for the future

At Crescero, our mission is simple: to connect long-term capital with Canadian farmland to benefit farm families, investors, and the planet. I’ve spent decades doing this work—acquiring land, optimizing operations, and building bridges between capital and farm families. We’ve transacted on thousands of acres across Ontario, and every one of those acres represents not just a return on investment—but a step toward a stronger, more secure food system.

The next chapter for Canadian agriculture is just beginning. I believe that those who understand the enduring value of land—its scarcity, productivity, and role in global stability—those people will shape the future.

So yes, the headlines might be filled with tension and uncertainty at the moment. But I don’t see risk when stepping onto a farm field. I see an opportunity. I see soil that can feed nations. I see water that can nourish crops in places that have none. And I know Canada has the ability—and the responsibility—to lead.

Let’s invest in that. Let’s protect it. Let’s grow it—together.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the author, Kent Willmore, Founder & CEO at Crescero Natural Capital. It is not intended as investment advice or a recommendation to purchase or sell any financial product. Prospective investors should consult with a qualified financial advisor and conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions. Investments in farmland are subject to risks, including market, regulatory, and environmental risks. Any performance data in this article is for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of future results. This document has not been reviewed or approved by the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) or any other securities regulatory authority.

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