Eight of Canada’s major farm and food organizations have called on governments to end the border blockades and restore the flow of goods and animals across the U.S. border.
They say the prolonged disruptions are affecting transport of fruits, vegetables, meat, food packaging, feed supplies, livestock shipments, transport equipment and inputs for both agriculture and food processing.
“These blockades are impacting the livelihoods of Canadian farm families, the further businesses they are connected to and the timely supply and delivery of essential goods,” said a news release issued by the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Federation of Agriculture, Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Horticultural Council, Canadian Pork Council, Canadian Produce Marketing Council and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association.
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They want the immediate end of the blockades and for all levels of government to work together to restore transport and trade corridors.
They say impeding the two-way trade of essential goods is straining supply chains and the country’s economy.
In 2020, trade between the two countries averaged $137 million per day.
“These blockades are affecting the whole supply chain from farm to fork,” said Chris White, president of the Canadian Meat Council. “We need swift action to put an end to this. Throughout this period of disruption our members have appreciated the agility and flexibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to assist them in getting their products across the border and to market.”
Dan Darling, CAFTA president, said Canada’s reputation as a reliable and stable trading partner is at risk if stability is not restored.
“The closures and delays caused by the protest blockades have effects all the way back to the farmgate,” added NCFA chair James Bekkering. “The beef supply chain has already been disrupted by drought, floods, transportation issues and more. We need to get both products and animals moving freely across the border for the sake of animal welfare and economics alike.”
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