A farmer just East of Airdrie is worried about the ban China has put on Canadian Canola products and what that means for his livelihood.

“China is such a big export market for us, the fact that we have that closed off, the fact that we have now future instability in that market, that does give pause to producers,” explained canola producer Ian Chitwood.

According to the Canola Council of Canada, around 90 per cent of canola in the country is exported and China is the biggest buyer, claiming around 40 per cent of the exports.

Recent trade tensions have led to China blocking canola from Canada due to alleged contamination issues.

While many farmers can rotate in other crops, some rely almost solely on the oilseeds.

“Most farmers in the province are fairly diversified, but it really depends on the climate you’re in and what you can grow,” said Chitwood. “In our area, we can grow canola, peas, wheat, barley, we grow a lot of feed barley here.

“In other areas that it's not economical to do so, they rely more heavily on canola as a profit driver in their rotation. Some farmers can switch away easily, others are handcuffed.”

Chitwood said right now they’re concerned about the blockade, but as harvest time approaches, that anxiety will increase.

“Right now crops are in and crops are growing, we’re going to be harvesting here at the end of August, so it’s coming up quick,” Chitwood relayed.

On Thursday the federal government announced $13 million in funding to help national grain and oilseed organizations find new markets for agriculture and agri-food products like Canola.

“I think anytime we invest in market diversification and invest in the industry in general [it’s] going to be a good thing for farmers,” said Chitwood.