Edmonton, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Alberta farmer and first-term United Conservative MLA Tara Sawyer has been sworn in as the province’s new minister of Agriculture and Irrigation as Premier Danielle Smith reshuffled her cabinet.
Sawyer, who represents the riding of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, officially joined cabinet on Wednesday following changes announced by Smith after Finance Minister Nate Horner and Infrastructure Minister Matt Jones said they would not seek re-election in 2027.
RJ Sigurdson, who had served as agriculture minister since June 2023, now moves into the role of minister of affordability and utilities.
The appointment marks a rapid rise for Sawyer, who was first elected to the Alberta legislature less than a year ago in a June 2025 byelection.
Before entering provincial politics, Sawyer was well known in Alberta’s agriculture sector, serving as chair of Grain Growers of Canada and Alberta Grains.
She has been a prominent advocate on issues including market access, sustainability and agricultural policy, representing Canadian farmers domestically and internationally.
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Sawyer farms near Acme, Alberta, with her husband Matt, growing wheat, barley, canola and hay. The couple received Alberta’s Outstanding Young Farmers award in 2011.
In a social media post, Sawyer says it was an honour to be sworn in as the province’s minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.
“Agriculture in Alberta has a profound legacy of supporting families, strengthening rural communities, and feeding the world,” she said. “I’m proud to take on this role and look forward to working alongside Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, processors, and producers to support a strong and resilient agriculture sector.”
She also thanked Sigurdson for his leadership in the agriculture portfolio over the past three years, saying she’s grateful for his advocacy for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across Alberta.
In a release, Alberta Grains welcomes the news that its former chair has been appointed to the role.
“We congratulate Minister Sawyer on her appointment and look forward to continuing to work together to support Alberta farmers and strengthen the province’s agriculture sector,” said Alberta Grains chair Scott Jespersen. “Her experience as both a farmer and industry leader will bring valuable perspective to the role at an important time for Alberta agriculture.”
Alberta Grains is also thanking outgoing Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson for his work and collaboration with Alberta’s crop sector during his time in the role.
Photo credit – Tara Sawyer on LinkedIn
