International Trade

Ensuring Canadian agriculture is represented in trade negotiations

Agriculture and trade negotiations are among the key topics addressed in CFA’s advocacy meetings with parliamentarians and government officials. We also bring recommendations forward in presentations on the Hill and at industry conferences and other meetings.

In late October 2018, CFA board members met with over 30 MPs during our Fall Lobby Day. The USMCA and CPTPP agreements were one of the key topics discussed, with CFA identifying the positive and negative aspects of each agreement. While CFA kept in close contact with negotiators throughout the entire process of both negotiations, it expressed deep disappointment about the market access concessions made in supply management sectors in both those agreements. Members noted the market access gains made in CPTPP for Canadian Agriculture exporters, urging the government to ratify that agreement as quickly as possible. CFA applauded the Canada’s ratification and royal ascent of the CPTPP the week of Oct 29th.

While CFA is supportive of gaining access to new markets, successive trade deals such as CETA, CPTPP and USMCA, in addition to the Global access through the WTO,  have resulted in successive market access concessions to supply management sectors, resulting in an aggregate TRQ of around 18% for dairy alone. CFA has strongly urged the government to work closely with each respective supply management sector to develop mitigation programs. It also continues to maintain that Canada must find ways to find increased profitable market access for Canadian Agriculture exporters without sacrificing supply management.

Quick Facts:


Key Recommendations Going Forward:


On USMCA:


On Mercosur: