CAFTA - Archives
June 13th, 2019:
​
​
May 17th, 2019:
​
​
November 13th, 2018:
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, representing Canada’s agri-food export industry, is very encouraged by commitments made this week by Canada and China to double trade in agri-food products between our two countries as we continue to progress toward a comprehensive economic trade agreement. At the conclusion of the two day summit, Ministers announced a series of outcomes to support doubling agricultural trade between the two countries by 2025.
November 10th, 2018:
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), representing Canada’s $58 billion a year agri-food export industry, is following with significant interest recent suggestions that Canada could pursue a sector-by-sector approach to improving our trade relations with China. Read the full statement:
June 21st, 2018: Ottawa, Ontario – June 21, 2018 – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today called on all Parliamentarians to support better access to world markets as continued trade uncertainty threatens Canadian jobs and long-term prosperity. CAFTA President Brian Innes along with farmers and agri-food exporters from across Canada made the remarks at an end-of-session press conference held on Parliament Hill.
June 20th, 2018: Media Advisory: CAFTA to Hold End-Of-Session Press Conference to Discuss Challenges and Opportunities for Farmers and Agri-Food Exporters in Times of Unprecedented Trade Uncertainty
Ottawa, Ontario – June 19, 2018 – No one knows trade better than ranchers, farmers and agri-food exporters. Day in and day out, millions of people employed in agriculture and food industries from PEI to British Columbia rely on trade to feed millions both at home and abroad.
May 1st, 2018:
On April 19th, CAFTA provided comments for the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry on the competitiveness of the value added food sector in global markets.
May 1st, 2018:
On April 19th, CAFTA provided comments for the House of Commons Committee on International Trade study on a Potential Canada-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement.
March 8th, 2018:
​Santiago, Chile – March 8, 2018 – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) applauded the Government of Canada for signing the final text of the historic Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and urged swift movement to ratify the deal.
February 21st, 2018:
Ottawa – February 21, 2018 – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) expressed its support for the federal government’s efforts to move forward on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Today, the government of Canada released the legal text of the agreement and an economic analysis conducted by the Office of the Chief Economist. These steps, in addition to officially signing the agreement, move Canada closer to ratifying and implementing the deal.
February 20th, 2018:
​
In this month’s edition:
• Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
• CAFTA at Sixth Round of NAFTA Negotiations
• On the Hill
• United States and Japan begin trade framework discussions
• European Commission publishes report on EU-Mexico trade talks
• Prime Minister Trudeau set to travel to India
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada launches CKFTA Web Portal
• United States FDA releases draft guidance on its Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP)
February 8th, 2018:
​
On February 8th, CAFTA provided comments for the House of Commons Committee on International Trade study on a Potential Agreement between Canada and the Pacific Alliance.
January 29th, 2018:
​
Montreal – January 29, 2018 – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today welcomed the progress made during the latest round of NAFTA negotiations and urged the federal government to continue working to reach a modernized agreement that will strengthen the access and competitiveness of the nation’s farm and food products.
January 23rd, 2018:
​
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance applauding success of Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement.
January 19th, 2018:
​
​
January 8th, 2018:
In this special edition of CAFTA Trade Insights Newsletter, CAFTA published a month-by-month Report Card on Trade for 2017.
In this month’s edition:
· Year in Review
· CAFTA at NAFTA Intersessional Round
· Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)·
· World Trade Organization (WTO) Eleventh Ministerial Conference
· On the Hill
· EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
​
December 8th, 2017
In this edition:
· CAFTA at Fifth Round of NAFTA Negotiations
· Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
· Possible Canada-China Free Trade Agreement?
· On the Hill
· Canada-China Trade
· Canadian Trade Mission to India
· WTO Deputy Director-General Alan William Wolff speech on “The Value of the WTO”
November 27th, 2017
As Prime Minister Trudeau prepares to head to China, read the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance’s policy paper on China:
​
Chasing China: A Policy Paper on Expanding Canada’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Exports to China
The report outlines the potential for expanding trade in a market that accounted for $5.6 billion in Canadian agri-food and agri-food exports last year. China is Canada’s second largest two-way trading partner after the U.S.
China is a massive market with an emerging middle class demanding safe, high-quality products. It is projected to be the world’s largest agrifood importer by 2020. Canada has a globally competitive agri-food sector with significant opportunity for growth, as described by the Advisory Council on Economic Growth to Finance Minister Bill Morneau. Overall, Canada exports half its beef, more than half its malting barley, pork and soybeans, 75 per cent of its wheat, 90 per cent or more of its canola and pulses and over 40 per cent of its processed foods.
November 11th, 2017
Da Nang, Vietnam – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today welcomed progress on a framework for a new Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership on the margins of the APEC meeting in Vietnam this week.
November 10th, 2017
Da Nang, Vietnam – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is disappointed that Canada did not reach an agreement in principle with the remaining 11 Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) members today.
November 7th, 2017
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is warning the federal government not to make changes to the market access provisions that were established in the original Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement during TPP 11 talks taking place this week in Vietnam.
November 3rd, 2017
In this edition:
· CAFTA open letter to Prime Minister Trudeau urging implementation of TPP-11
· NAFTA Renegotiations: where are we at right now?
· Canada launches negotiations towards a free trade agreement with the Pacific Alliance
· WTO ‘Mini-Ministerial’ Meeting in Marrakesh
October 10th, 2017
​
In this edition:
· CAFTA Back on the Hill
· CAFTA Appears before House of Commons Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food for Study on Food Policy for Canada
· CAFTA Welcomes its Newest Member: Food & Consumer Products of Canada
· Provisional Application Begins for Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
· NAFTA Renegotiation: where are we at right now?
· Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
· Canada and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) launch Exploratory Discussions for Potential FTA
October 2nd, 2017
​
On September 28th, CAFTA provided comments for the House of Commons Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food’s study on a Food Policy for Canada. CAFTA’s statement focused on the role of exporting and free trade agreements play in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. Competitive access is not simply a priority, but a requirement for the Canadian agri-food industry as 90 percent of farmers depend on world markets for their livelihood. If Canada is to reach its goal of $75 billion in agri-food exports by 2025, Canada must remain competitive.On September 28th, CAFTA provided comments for the House of Commons Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food’s study on a Food Policy for Canada. CAFTA’s statement focused on the role of exporting and free trade agreements play in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. Competitive access is not simply a priority, but a requirement for the Canadian agri-food industry as 90 percent of farmers depend on world markets for their livelihood. If Canada is to reach its goal of $75 billion in agri-food exports by 2025, Canada must remain competitive.
September 21st, 2017
​
After nearly a decade of work, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) welcomes the provisional application of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union.
September 20th, 2017
​
In this edition:
-
NAFTA renegotiation: where are we at right now?
-
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
-
Canada-Pacific Alliance FTA consultations open
-
CEPA negotiations resume
-
CAFTA calls on Canada to Implement TPP
-
Japan triggers emergency import safeguards on frozen beef
-
United States Eyes Post-Brexit FTA with the UK
-
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
August 23rd, 2017
​
On August 14th, Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland stated that Canada is a trading nation. The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) cannot agree more with this sentiment as we look to improve Canada’s competitiveness abroad. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) represents a modern and comprehensive agreement that is the future for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food trade. It is for this reason that CAFTA is sending an open-letter to the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, which strongly urges Canada to join other TPP-11 countries to declare its support and to implement the TPP without delay. Attaining competitive access to these markets is essential to achieving the target of $75 billion of agri-food exports by 2025, as outlined in the 2017 federal budget. The implementation of the TPP secures Canada’s access to the necessary markets of the Pacific and secures a strong future for Canadian agriculture.
July 31st, 2017
​
In this edition:
-
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
-
NAFTA renegotiation: where are we at right now?
-
Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA)
-
Canada Admitted as Associate Member of Pacific Alliance
-
House International Trade Committee Opposition Increases Pressure
-
“Diversifying is the smart thing to do.”
July 4th, 2017
​
In this edition:
• CAFTA Directors meet with EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Receives Royal Assent
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Goes Ahead Without United States
• NAFTA renegotiation: where are we at right now?
• CAFTA Appears Before the House Committee on Agriculture
• CAFTA and Canadian Agri-Food Exporters Advocate for Free Trade with China
​
June 5th, 2017
​
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) urged the federal government to pursue a free trade agreement with China to significantly boost the current $5.6 billion in agri-food exports shipped annually to the Asian economic powerhouse. China is Canada’s second largest two-way trading partner after the U.S. and Ottawa just wrapped up public consultations about the potential for a trade agreement.
​
April 12th, 2017
​
• CAFTA directors meet with the new Minister of International Trade
• Chilean TPP trade talks encouraging
• NAFTA renegotiation: where are we at right now?
• CAFTA appears before the Senate on Bill C-30 (CETA)
• China and Canada begin exploratory free trade talks
• Trade is his Future: read Brett McRae’s story, a Manitoba rancher and why his farm depends on trade
March 17th, 2017
Ottawa – March 17, 2017– The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is encouraged by the support for free trade coming from this week’s meeting of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Ministers.
The discussions showed a willingness to continue breaking down trade barriers in the region while building up the free flow of goods among countries. The fact that Ministers shared views on advancing economic integration in the Asia-Pacific sends a positive signal to the world that keeping borders open is better that closing them down.
Importantly, it also shows the Ministers’ desire to build on the years of negotiations that went into the TPP, and their willingness to preserve the positive outcomes of the deal.
We are particularly pleased that Canadian International Trade Minister François-Philippe Champagne reaffirmed his commitment to keeping markets open in the burgeoning economies of the region, markets that will support growth and jobs in Canada.......
​
March 13th, 2017
Dear Minister Champagne,
​
We are writing to express our strong support for Canada to continue seeking better access for our agriculture and agri-food products in the burgeoning economies of the Asia-Pacific region. We are focused on opportunities to implement the gains made in Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement as this holds the best opportunity to keep the Canadian agri-food sector competitive, add jobs and grow the Canadian economy.
The upcoming talks with the remaining TPP signatories in Chile on March 15 are a perfect time for Canada to quickly revive the partnership’s framework as a basis for a new agreement, shining a light on the benefits of regional free trade. We are, after all, the second largest economy at the table now that the U.S. has withdrawn from negotiations...........
​
March 1st, 2017
In this edition:
-
Canadian exports at risk when US first to free trade agreements
-
CAFTA backs CETA – with conditions
-
NAFTA: CAFTA and Canadian business unite to support Canada-U.S. trade
-
Trans-Pacific-Partnership future uncertain
-
Discussions about deeper trade ties between Canada and China
-
Trade is my Future: meet Caroline Sekulic
November 29th, 2016
​
• Thank you for inviting me to speak on behalf of CAFTA, the voice of Canadian agriculture and agri-food exporters regarding the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement or CETA.
• CAFTA represents farmers, processors and exporters from the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, pulse, soy, malt and sugar sectors. Together, CAFTA members account for 90% of Canada’s $54 billion agriculture and agri-food exports, supporting 940,000 jobs across Canada.
• Competitive access to global markets through trade agreements is our top priority. Europe, Japan and the Asia Pacific are at the top of our priorities ‘list.
An Update on Agriculture and the WTO
December 1st, 2016
WTO Members are gearing up for the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference, set to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina in December 2017. The agenda is under negotiation, however placing new limits on trade-distorting domestic support for agriculture is a priority for a majority of Members, including Canada. In October 2016, Ministers and Officials from Canada and 24 other countries met in Oslo, Norway and highlighted domestic support in agriculture as an area on which negotiators should focus in the coming year.
November 17th, 2016
• Thank you for inviting me to speak on behalf of CAFTA, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance on the on the Next Agricultural Policy Framework.
• CAFTA is the voice of Canadian agriculture and agri-food exporters. CAFTA is a coalition of organizations that seek a more open and fair international trading environment for agriculture and agri-food. Our members represent farmers, processors and exporters from the major trade dependent sectors including; beef, pork, grains, oilseed, pulse, soy, malt and sugar sectors. Together, we account for 90% of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports, about $54 billion dollars in exports and an economic activity that supports 940,000 jobs across the country.
• What I would like to imprint on the committee today is the importance of competitive access to global markets for Canada’s export-oriented agriculture and agri-food sector.
September 22nd, 2016
​
China will be crucial to Canada’s economic future over the next 50 years. China is a massive market where consumers are hungry for safe, high-quality products.
China has become the 3rd largest destination for agricultural products worldwide. Opportunities are enormous with China projected to be the world’s largest agrifood importer by 2020.
China is already Canada’s second largest market for Canadian agri-food exports. In 2015, Canada exported C$5.6 billion in agri-food products to China,1 and unlike many of Canada’s trading partners; exports to China have been climbing steadily and did not fall during the global economic crisis. Canadian agri-food exports to China include significant exports of canola products, which account for half of all shipments, as well as pulses, pork, wheat, barley, soybeans, beef, genetics and processed products.
September 22nd, 2016​
April 30th, 2016
In late February, the Government of Canada and the European Commission completed the legal review of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), including the portion covering investor protection. A resolution on a revised Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) chapter was critical to arriving at an agreement, as the European Commission believed it was necessary to allow the CETA to pass in the European Parliament (EP).
February 25th, 2016
​
February 25, 2016
• Thank you for inviting me today to speak on behalf of CAFTA, the voice of Canadian agriculture and agri-food exporters regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
• CAFTA is a coalition of organizations that seek a more open and fair international trading environment for agriculture and agri-food. Our members represent farmers, producers, processors and exporters from the major trade dependent sectors including; the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, pulse, soy and malt sectors. Together, CAFTA members account for over 80 per cent of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports, about $50 billion dollars in exports annually and an economic activity that supports hundreds of thousand jobs in agriculture and food manufacturing.
• Canada has one of the most trade-dependent agricultural sectors in the world -we export over half of the agri-food products that we grow- 65% of which go to TPP markets.
• CAFTA strongly supports the TPP and believe it is integral to the future viability of Canada’s export-oriented agriculture and agri-food sector. It is paramount that the TPP be ratified and implemented quickly. ..........
February 19th, 2016
​
February 19, 2016
-
Thank you for inviting me today to speak on behalf of CAFTA, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance.
-
CAFTA is the voice of Canadian agriculture and agri-food exporters. We are a coalition of organizations that seek a more open and fair international trading environment for agriculture and agri-food. Our members represent farmers, processors and exporters from the major trade dependent sectors including; beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, pulse, soy and malt sectors. Together, we account for 80% of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports, about $50 billion dollars in exports and an economic activity that supports hundreds of thousand jobs across the country..................
January 18th, 2016
​
In this edition:
-
CAFTA announces strong support for the Transpacific Partnership (TPP)
-
Update on the Canada-Europe Free Trade Agreement
-
CAFTA welcomes Pulse Canada as new member
-
And more
November 24th, 2015
Due to recent timely developments, this issue will focus specifically on the TransPacific Partnership and the ramifications of the historic deal. Check back next month for the latest information on the Canada-European Union Free Trade Agreement and other CAFTA news.
October 1st, 2015
Ottawa, October 1, 2015 — The undersigned organizations, representing leading companies, farmers and hundreds of thousands of small businesses from sectors and regions across Canada, call on governments to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.......
February 19th, 2014
Canada-Korea Free trade Agreement Critical for Canadians – Un accord de libre-échange Canada-Coréw essential pour les Canadiens
OTTAWA (ON) February 14, 2014 – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) joined 30 companies and organizations calling on the Government of Canada, and the provinces, to accelerate efforts and complete negotiations for a Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement earlier this week.
​
February 19th, 2014
CAFTA expresses their concern with the current state of TPP Negotiations in a letter to the ministers.