Canadian food producers frustrated at losses instead of gains
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was touted as being a great deal for Canadian agri-business and consumers. Indeed the government website says that CETA which came into effect in September 2017 “is helping to create jobs, strengthening economic relations and boosting Canada’s trade with the world’s second-largest market”.
This week Canadian farmers have said, that’s not the case.
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), said in a news release on September 26, that Canadian food exports to Europe have actually declined by over 10 per cent since the deal began, while EU imports to Canada increased by the same amount. They say that has caused a $3.5 billion trade deficit in favour of Europe.
Canada’s agri food organisation says with CETA, Canadian exports to the EU have declined, not increased. Beef imports from the EU have increased from a mere $12,000 in 2015, to $19 million in 2018, while France for example France bought only $167,000 worth of Canadian beef last year, down from $2.1 million in 2015. ( photo U Calgary)
CAFTA members include farmers and ranchers and other producers from the beef, pork, grains, pulses, canola and the processed food industry.
“Technical and non-tariff barriers are effectively shutting out a significant portion of Canadian agri-food exports from the huge EU market”, said the release.
CAFTA also mentioned that the EU is attempting to impose its agri-food regulations on Canada, such as banning import of meat products with certain veterinary drugs, while Canada imports their products with drugs that are banned here.
This summer, the federal Liberal agriculture minister announced $1.75 billion over eight years in compensation to Canadian dairy farmers, who have lost domestic market share under the EU and Pacific rim free trade deals. Canadian taxpayers will hand over $345 million this year to Canada’s 11,OOO dairy producers.
A similar compensation deal will be announced when the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement comes into force.
additional information-sources
- Western Producer: R.Arnason: Sep 26/19: Agri-food exporters frustrated with CETA
- CAFTA: press release
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: M.Agnew: Apr 25/19: Canadian crops not seeing fair share of CETA
- Canadian Pres (via Global News): Aug 16/19: Dairy farmers to get $1.75 in compensation for trade deal losses
- Global Affairs: Government of Canada: CETA deal
- PostMedia (Calgary Herald): A.Stephenson: Jul 18/19: EU urged to live up to CETA as Canadian exports fall
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: H. Mertins-Kirkwood: Sep 16/16: CETA-job losses, lower wages, inequality
- CETA: Parliamentary Budget Office: May 2/17: analysis
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