The stalemate in World Trade Organization negotiations is no reason for Canada’s most prominent agricultural trade-promoting group to take a breather, says its new president.
Instead, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance should step up its lobbying to sell the benefits of a world trade liberalizing deal, says Regina-area farmer Alanna Koch.
“I think CAFTA’s role is going to remain important as a lonely but critical voice, talking about the importance of the WTO, reminding people about why we need a trade deal,” she said.
Koch, a former official with the Western Canadian Wheat Growers’ Association and now a board member with Agricore United, replaces Ontario grain and oilseed producer Liam McCreery as CAFTA president.
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She said opponents of a new world trade deal are using the hiatus in WTO talks to promote the idea that the ideal of liberalized trade is wrong and dead.
“I do believe that those who are in opposition to a WTO agreement are using this period to argue that it is a flawed model, but that is all the more reason to make sure that our message is clear and our voice is focused and strong,” she said.
During the past five years, CAFTA has become a visible advocate for dramatic cuts in production-distorting domestic support and in protectionist tariffs. The group’s membership ranges from producer groups to agribusiness.
It has become a political adversary of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and its supply managed members because of CAFTA’s assertion that to be credible at the WTO negotiating table, Canada must be willing to offer reductions in its high over-quota tariffs that protect dairy, poultry and egg sectors.
But it also has scored victories in becoming a Canadian voice for freer trade.
In September, it was accepted as a member of the free trade-promoting Cairns Group of farm leaders. Since the Cairns farm leaders’ group was formed more than a decade ago, the CFA has been Canada’s sole representative.
Koch said the group will broaden its lobby efforts beyond pressuring the government to show leadership in getting the talks back on track.
She said CAFTA members also will try to convince other economic groups in Canada to pressure for a WTO deal.
“I see my role as president as being out there in a big way to explain to others what is at stake and what will be lost if there is no deal.”
