News
Potential WTO agreement helps Canadian exporters
A pending agreement through the World Trade Organization (WTO) is being welcomed by Canada's agriculture and agri-food exporters. The agreement will come largely as a result of analysis commissioned by the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, to determine the effects of a high Canadian dollar and market access issues regarding beef and pork exports.
February 4, 2008 By Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance
January 30, 2008
The prospect of a WTO agreement within the next few months is being welcomed by Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exporters.
"The agreement that seems to be coming together is a good deal for Canada. Late last year, CAFTA commissioned an analysis of the work that has been done to date; we can clearly demonstrate that Canada’s exporters will realize significant gains through a WTO agreement," said Darcy Davis, CAFTA President. "The analysis indicates that this agreement would generate an annual increase of about $3 Billion in export value for selected primary Canadian commodities."
"CAFTA has been closely monitoring developments in Geneva over the last several months," said Rick White, CAFTA Vice President. "There’s been considerable progress made since July and we expect the momentum will continue to carry forward this year. It’s not impossible that we could see an agreement before the end of the spring."
"The analysis of the benefits coupled with news on further progress in the negotiations comes at a critical time," said Keith Lancastle, CAFTA Executive Director. "The impact of a high Canadian dollar has been hitting agricultural exporters very hard – and it’s been an even tougher year for our beef and pork sectors that are also dealing with the effects of continuing market access issues."
"The agreement that is on the table will clearly benefit Canadian agriculture," said Lancastle. "Our members are anxious to see the agreement pulled together as soon as possible."
"Every day we don’t have an agreement represents almost $10 Million in lost opportunity for Canadian exporters," said Davis. "And, the international marketplace needs improved rules and disciplines, as we saw most recently with the EU decision to reintroduce export subsidies for pork."
"More than 200,000 Canadian farmers are directly dependent on the export market," said Lancastle. "These small businesses either export their production or sell it domestically at international prices. In any case, a healthy export market is critical to their ongoing viability."
"CAFTA will be watching the negotiations closely, here at home and in Geneva, in the coming weeks," said Davis. "We will continue to encourage the Government of Canada, and the missions of other WTO countries, to seek an ambitious agreement as soon as possible."
