Saskatchewan Farmers' Share of Food Dollar Shrinks: What It Means for Your Grocery Bill

Saskatchewan Farmers' Share of Food Dollar Shrinks: What It Means for Your Grocery Bill

Key impact: You are paying more for groceries, but Saskatchewan farmers are not seeing that extra money. Instead, rising costs are likely being pocketed by middlemen and retailers, not the people who grow your food.

A new report from the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) shows a troubling disconnect. The 2026 Farmers and Food Prices Report reveals that for over half of the products tracked, the farmer's share of the food dollar actually declined in 2025. Meanwhile, you are still facing high prices at the checkout.

This means your grocery bill is not helping local producers. The extra money is being absorbed somewhere else in the supply chain.

Why is this happening?

The report points to several factors driving food inflation, which hit 2.4% in March 2026:

• Soaring fuel costs from global conflicts are making it more expensive to transport food.
• Supply chain inefficiencies mean food takes longer and costs more to get from farm to store.
• Lack of transparency makes it impossible to see exactly where costs are piling up.

APAS is calling for greater transparency in the food supply chain to identify where these costs are accumulating.

Who is affected?

• All Canadian consumers: You are paying more for groceries, and that trend is expected to continue.
• Saskatchewan farmers: They are receiving a smaller share of the food dollar, even as prices rise.
• Low-income households: They are hit hardest by rising food costs, as a larger portion of their budget goes to groceries.

What you should do

1. Budget for higher food costs. Expect grocery prices to remain high in the near term. Plan your meals and look for sales.
2. Buy local where possible. This helps support Saskatchewan farmers directly and may reduce supply chain costs.
3. Stay informed about government rebates. The federal government's National Food Security Strategy is a step forward. Also, watch for the grocery and essentials rebate mentioned in the article, which could provide direct financial relief.
4. Advocate for transparency. Support calls for clearer labeling and reporting on where your food dollar actually goes.

Bottom line

Your grocery bill is high, but Saskatchewan farmers are not benefiting. Supply chain costs, fuel prices, and a lack of transparency are driving food inflation. Expect prices to stay elevated. To cope, budget carefully, buy local, and watch for government rebates. The system needs more transparency to ensure your money reaches the people who grow your food.