Support is growing for a beef producer-led trade challenge against the United States.
The National Farmers Union and Alberta Beef Producers are offering moral and financial support to the Canadian Cattlemen for Fair Trade. The group of 84 is seeking damages from the American government under the North American Free Trade Agreement for loss of trade when borders closed due to BSE last year.
The Alberta Beef Producers board passed a resolution to contribute $200,000 in monthly increments of $20,000 for 10 months, or until the border opens.
“We wouldn’t have standing to be a litigant ourselves, but we can support the action itself,” said ABP spokesperson Ron Glaser.
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Alberta Beef Producers is the country’s largest cattle producers’ organization.
Loss of exports has cost Canadian livestock producers an estimated $2.2 billion. The first group to file a suit is requesting $150 million in damages and expects that amount to grow as more individuals launch challenges.
The NFU said it cannot afford to donate money, but believes in what the group of producers across Canada are pursuing.
“We offer them full, moral support. There may be individual members who sign on and more power to them,” said executive secretary Terry Pugh.
The NFU said the federal government should have issued a challenge under Chapter 20 of the NAFTA.
If the situation were reversed, the Americans would likely have pursued the legal route first rather than attempt to negotiate through the situation, said Pugh.
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association has not been officially approached to support the challenge, said president Stan Eby.
He said the association plans to bring up possible legal approaches with Ottawa using the World Trade Organization or world animal health organization regulations.
