A group of 26 agricultural organizations and companies has called on the federal Liberal government to ensure liberalized agricultural trade in the next World Trade Organization agreement.
A statement supported by organizations such as the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Canadian Restaurant and Food Service Association, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said the agreement must substantially increase market access, cut trade distorting domestic subsidies and eliminate export subsidies.
“We’re all consistently saying we need a very aggressive outcome,” said Alanna Koch, director of Agricore United and a spokesperson for the group.
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She delivered copies of the statement to cabinet members during a Liberal caucus event in Lumsden, Sask., late last month. Others were presented during a cabinet meeting in Winnipeg.
She said the ministers must recognize that the supporters of the statement represent more than 150,000 farmers, as well as food processors and input suppliers.
Trade liberalization will move farming beyond crisis management, the statement said, and encourage investment in and development of agri-food.
Koch said Canada has to take a lead role in the negotiations because it is the third-largest exporter of agricultural products.
Brad Wildeman, chair of the CCA foreign trade committee, said in a News release
news that subsidies and access barriers cost Canadian grains and oilseeds farmers an average of $50 a tonne while tariffs on beef and beef products cost $560 million each year.
“Only an agreement at the WTO can fix this situation and only our political leaders can direct our negotiators to aggressively pursue such an agreement,” he said.
Koch, who was in Geneva in July during WTO talks, said she is frustrated by the lack of progress but has hope.
“I’m proud of our negotiating team. We have one of the best in the world.”
