OTTAWA – Canadian Federation of Agriculture President Ron Bonnett made the following statement in reaction to the formal ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

“The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is very pleased to see the CPTPP receive royal assent so quickly, as ratification allows Canadian farmers to have a ‘first-movers advantage’ in entering these new markets and capturing export opportunities.

Diversifying the mix of countries that we export Canadian agricultural products to is essential to trade stability and will help spread Canada’s reputation as a source of safe, affordable and nutritious food around the world.

CFA insists that the Federal government help mitigate potential damages to supply managed sectors from various trade deals such as CETA, the USMCA and the CPTPP. Each trade agreement has allowed for further market access to these products which has eroded their domestic market share.

We also encourage the government to work with the agricultural industry to help identify and alleviate non-tariff barriers that could potentially stifle market access like we have seen with CETA.

CFA will continue to work with the Federal government to ensure that Canadian farmers can benefit from CPTPP and other trade agreements to the fullest extent possible.”