Farmers pleased with progress on Columbia and Peru free trade agreements
The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) are pleased with the progress made by the Government of Canada on the finalization and implementation of Canada’s free trade agreements with Columbia and Peru.
“With over 90% of Canadian farmers dependent on an export market for their crops, freer trade is essential to their livelihoods,” said Doug Robertson, President of the Grain Growers of Canada. “Expansion of our markets abroad will ensure our farmers have opportunities to increase both our sales and our profitability.”
“Canadian Wheat Board sales of wheat and barley are currently over 230 million dollars to Columbia and Peru, and pulse exports are nearly 100 million annually. The tariff walls on these valuable crops range between 12-25% and these are dollars that come directly out of our farmers pockets,” added Robertson. “Without these bi-lateral agreements, Canadian farmers would not be able to compete with Argentine and American producers who have secured or are negotiating trade agreements to allow market access for their farmers.”
“The opening of new markets for Canadian beef is really good news for our farmers as well. Not only are these value-added products, but domestic beef production is one of the largest markets for our feed grains,” said Robertson.
“Amidst this global downturn, as some countries turn down the path of protectionism, it is encouraging to see Canada stand up for liberalized trade and open markets. The prosperity of Canada’s farmers depend on it,” said Robertson.
