Ottawa, ON- May 12, 2022– Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the policy statement below regarding growing concerns about food security around the world.

 

“While global supply chains have been pushed to the brink during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has increased the focus on global food security.

 

“As the 5th largest global agri-food exporter, countries around the world depend on Canada for their food security. To ensure we can continue to help feed families around the world, Canadian exporters must have competitive access to markets guided by the principles of free and rulesbased trade.

 

“As we face profound geopolitical uncertainty, Canada’s agri-food resilience and competitiveness depends on predictable and stable access to global markets. Implementing and negotiating free trade agreements, coupled with a robust WTO are foundational to preserving our ability to contribute to global food security. An ambitious outcome for Agriculture at MC12 and resumption of the Appellate Body would send a strong signal of support for multilateralism. “Governments can help build resilience in global food systems and supply chains by fostering trade in food and production inputs through policies that ensure essential foods are grown in sufficient quantities to meet global demand.

 

“Additionally, governments should ensure that policies are in place that reduce trade risks such as allowing the timely movement of foodstuffs from regions of surplus to food deficit markets around the world. At the end of the day, access to food should know no boundaries.

 

“At a time when it is needed most, CAFTA and our members stand ready to help foster the increased flows of trade that will enhance global food security and ensure stability and predictability remain at the core of the global trading system.”

 

For further information, please contact:

info@cafta.org