Leaders of the prairie export sector were convinced by the World Trade Organization deal of 1993 that they needed a stronger voice.
The deal gave Canadian agricultural exporters little new access but preserved supply management protections.
The supply management lobby was everywhere during that tense December negotiation in Geneva.
Livestock, grain and oilseed export interests were scarce, other than the Canadian Wheat Board.
Led in part by then-Western Canadian Wheat Growers’ Association president Ted Menzies, now junior finance minister in the federal Conservative government, export interests decided to organize so that their lobby voice would be prominent in future negotiations.
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It led to the 1997 formation of a group that has become the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, one of the most influential lobby groups in Ottawa now that power resides with a Conservative government with a strong trade agenda.
In the interim, CAFTA has expanded its reach to include livestock, grain, pulse, sugar and processing interests with members across the country.
Last week, CAFTA celebrated its 15th anniversary during an Ottawa board meeting and reception.
Agriculture minister Gerry Ritz praised the lobby group as a key supporter of the government’s relentless drive to forge new international trade agreements.
“There’s no question CAFTA has been a driving force in opening new market opportunities for our farmers and food processors, and I thank you for that,” Ritz said at the May 8 reception.
He said that with many trade negotiations underway and many Canadian farm sectors dependent on exports, “the great work that CAFTA does is needed more and is more relevant than ever.”
CAFTA president Richard Phillips said the organization has been successful because it has worked hard to make contact with Canadian trade officials and politicians as well as officials in many of the countries to which Canada hopes to export.
“We really have worked hard to develop relationships,” he said.
And the organization was a natural fit when the Conservatives took power in 2006 with a strong trade agenda. Members have been part of government trade delegations ever since.
“I think with the WTO talks on hold and the emphasis on bilateral and regional deals, we have been a good resource for the government because we share its trade expansion goal,” said Phillips.
“I think CAFTA has become the go-to organization on questions of agriculture and food trade. If the government wants information or contacts, they come to us.”
Ritz made clear the admiration is mutual.
“Congratulations on reaching this milestone,” he told the CAFTA reception.
“I know I can count on CAFTA for your continued support as we open new horizons for this great sector.”
