Canada’s Meat Processors Join CAFTA, Strengthening Agri-Food Voice Ahead of Key Trade Negotiations
April 30, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) today announced that CMC has joined as a Friend of CAFTA, deepening the agri-food sector’s representation at a critical moment for international trade.
CAFTA represents producers, processors, and exporters across Canada’s agri-food sector, advancing trade priorities in Ottawa and internationally to support market access and reduce barriers. This work is central to Canada’s meat sector, one of the most trade-exposed in the country, with deep ties to North American trade under CUSMA and a strong reliance on global export markets.
As Canada prepares for the 2026 CUSMA Joint Review and exporters navigate a more complex global environment, CMC’s alignment with CAFTA reflects a clear intent to help shape trade outcomes at both the federal and international levels.
“Joining as a Friend of CAFTA is a strategic step forward at a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Kyle Larkin, President and CEO of CMC. “With the 2026 CUSMA review on the horizon and global market volatility increasing, it’s more important than ever that the agri-food sector speaks with a unified voice.”
“Meat processing companies rely on stable, rules-based trade to reach over 90 international markets, and we look forward to working alongside CAFTA members in addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers,” he added.
Meat processing is one of Canada’s largest manufacturing employers, generating $43.8 billion in annual sales—about 25% of all Canadian food processing—and supports more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country. CMC members process over 90% of Canada’s meat and supply both domestic consumers and more than 90 international markets.
“CMC’s membership comes at an important time for Canada’s agri-food exporters,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “Canada’s meat sector brings scale, market reach, and deep trade expertise. Its addition strengthens our ability to shape trade outcomes as Canada approaches the CUSMA review and other global trade negotiations.”
With CMC, CAFTA deepens its representation across the agri-food value chain, from primary production through processing and into export markets. Together, the two organizations will advance shared priorities for Canada’s agri-food exporters, with a focus on market access and reducing trade barriers.
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About the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance is a coalition of national organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. CAFTA’s members include the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, processed food and life-science industries, which together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security. For more information, visit www.cafta.org.
About the Canadian Meat Council (CMC)
The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is the national voice of Canada’s federally licensed red meat industry, representing packers, processors, and suppliers across the beef, pork, veal, lamb, and bison sectors. For more than a century, CMC has championed policies that strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness, from securing market access at home and abroad to advancing a modern, evidence-based regulatory environment. CMC members take pride in delivering world-class, high-quality, safe food to consumers both at home and in markets around the world. Recognized as a trusted authority and voice on red meat-related issues, CMC works closely with government and stakeholders to support high standards in food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability, while delivering value and advocacy for its growing membership. For more information, visit www.cmc-cvc.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.org
Julia Pennella
Canadian Meat Council (CMC)
647-987-1934 | julia@cmc-cvc.com
