After last weeks two posts on the Canada / EU free trade agreement I received several emails from people saying that they believe that this deal will provide limited benefit to the farmer or livestock producer in Canada. The NFU has been very vocal but I find it hard to take much that they say seriously. One thing that many farmers do not realize is that agriculture was a piece of the agreement along with many other Canadian industries. Canadian producers seem to be quite negative on Canada’s trading practices and the actual benefits of these sort of agreements.
EU / Canada Free Trade Agreement Still Allows Farmers to Save Seed €“ Patty Townsend, CSTA
Impact of the EU €“ Canada Free Trade Agreement on Canadian Beef €“ Ted Haney, CBEF
I wanted to get some clarification from someone that is one on the front lines of trade negotiation and could speak intelligently on the benefits or disadvantages of this agreement. I spoke with Kathleen Sullivan, Executive Director of the Canadian Agri-food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) about the agreement and what Canadian farmers and livestock producers can expect from the EU / Canada Free Trade Agreement. I also ask Kathleen if agriculture is a clear winner in this free trade agreement.
I encourage you to listen to the interview with Kathleen and let me know what your opinions are on this agreement. Do you think this will be good for Canada or will agriculture not benefit at all.
If you cannot see the below interview, click here