Grain Growers of Canada signs trilateral industry letter calling for CUSMA renewal and strengthening

June 2, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) — Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) has joined more than 160 agricultural organizations from Canada, the United States and Mexico in signing a trilateral industry letter calling for the renewal and strengthening of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC).

The letter, addressed to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Canadian Minister Responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade Dominic LeBlanc, and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, calls on all three governments to protect the integrated North American agricultural trading framework ahead of the July 1, 2026, joint review.

Canadian grain farmers have a direct stake in the outcome.

Canada exports over 70 per cent of the grain it grows, generating $45 billion in annual export value. The United States is the sector’s largest trading partner, with over $17 billion in grain and grain products flowing there annually, a highly integrated market that cannot be replaced at scale. From 2024 to 2025, the export value of Canadian grain and grain products decreased by over $2.3 billion, a reflection of how quickly market access disruptions translate into farm-level losses.

Reliable, rules-based market access is a core requirement for farm viability, and CUSMA has been central to that. The agreement has supported export growth for grain, oilseed and pulse producers since its entry into force, with Canadian grain flowing through North American supply chains and onward to global markets.

The July 1 joint review is an opportunity to reinforce an agreement that creates stability and predictability: conditions producers need to make long-term investments, sign forward contracts, and keep grain moving to global customers. As negotiations get underway, Canada’s grain sector must be front of mind. Anything less puts export value, farm livelihoods, and billions in annual economic activity at risk.

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For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Sr. Manager, Communications  
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | hana@graingrowers.ca

North American agricultural coalition calls for CUSMA/USMCA renewal as Canadian delegation heads to Capitol Hill

CAFTA delegation to meet with members of key congressional committees and federal officials as nearly 160 organizations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico urge governments to protect the North American agricultural trading framework ahead of July 1 review.

June 2, 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is joining nearly 160 North American agricultural organizations in calling for the renewal and strengthening of CUSMA/USMCA and backing that call with a delegation in Washington this week for direct meetings with members of key congressional committees and federal officials ahead of the July 1, 2026, joint review. 

CAFTA and its member organizations are among the signatories of a trilateral industry letter released today to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Canadian Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Mexican Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard, urging all three governments to protect the integrated North American agricultural trading framework that has tripled agrifood trade between the three countries between 2005 and 2023, reaching $285 billion. 

Meetings will reinforce the trilateral letter’s call to protect that rules-based framework and ensure the July 1 review strengthens and preserves the disciplines that have made the agreement work. 

“Nearly 160 organizations across the United States, Canada and Mexico are sending the same message today: CUSMA works for North American agriculture, and the July 1 review is the moment to preserve what’s working,” said Greg Northey, president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. 

The delegation’s message to U.S. officials is grounded in shared economic interest, as the organizations behind that call represent supply chains that run deep into the American economy. 

“The producers, processors and exporters we represent support nearly half a million American jobs and $149 billion in U.S. economic output,” added Michael Harvey, executive director of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. “A predictable, rules-based CUSMA/USMCA is a strategic asset for North American food security, and new uncertainty would inject risk into supply chains across rural America.” 

Canada is one of the United States’ top two agricultural export markets, buying more American agricultural goods than Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom combined. The North American agri-food supply chain supports nearly 493,000 American jobs and $36 billion in wages, while helping sustain the broader $3.5 billion in goods and services traded across the Canada-U.S. border each day. 

Keeping CUSMA/USMCA on stable, predictable footing is critical to North America’s competitive position and economic security. The July 1, 2026, CUSMA/USMCA joint review is a key opportunity to preserve those gains, reinforce enforcement and predictability, and build on a framework that has delivered substantial export growth for agri-food products since 2020. 

CAFTA representatives will be available to discuss the outcomes of this week’s meetings with media following their conclusion. 

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About the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance 
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national and regional organizations representing producers, processors and exporters across Canada’s major agri-food sectors. The alliance advocates for an open, rules-based and fair international trading environment for Canadian agriculture and agri-food, supporting jobs and growth in rural communities across Canada while helping keep food affordable and supply chains resilient across North America. 

For media inquiries, contact: 
Hana Sabah, communications consultant 
info@cafta.org | 514-834-8841 



Une coalition agricole nord-américaine réclame le renouvellement de l’ACEUM alors qu’une délégation canadienne se rend au Capitole 

Une délégation de l’ACCA rencontrera des membres des commissions du Congrès et des représentants fédéraux, tandis que près de 160 organisations des États-Unis, du Canada et du Mexique exhortent les gouvernements à protéger le cadre commercial agricole nord-américain à l’approche de l’examen du 1er juillet. 

juin 2 2026 (Washington, D.C.) — L’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA) se joint à près de 160 organisations agricoles nord-américaines pour réclamer le renouvellement et le renforcement de l’ACEUM. Elle appuie cet appel par l’envoi d’une délégation à Washington cette semaine, afin de tenir des rencontres directes avec des membres du Congrès et des représentants fédéraux en amont de l’examen conjoint prévu le 1er juillet 2026. 

L’ACCA et ses organisations membres figurent parmi les signataires d’une lettre trilatérale du secteur, rendue publique aujourd’hui et adressée au représentant américain au Commerce, Jamieson Greer, au ministre canadien Dominic LeBlanc et au secrétaire mexicain à l’Économie, Marcelo Ebrard. Cette lettre exhorte les trois gouvernements à protéger le cadre commercial agricole nord-américain intégré, lequel a permis de tripler les échanges agroalimentaires entre les trois pays entre 2005 et 2023, pour atteindre un volume de 285 milliards de dollars. 

Ces rencontres viendront renforcer l’appel lancé dans la lettre trilatérale visant à protéger ce cadre fondé sur des règles, et à garantir que l’examen du 1er juillet consolide et préserve les disciplines qui ont assuré le bon fonctionnement de l’accord. 

« Près de 160 organisations aux États-Unis, au Canada et au Mexique transmettent aujourd’hui le même message : l’ACEUM est bénéfique pour le secteur agricole nord-américain, et l’examen du 1er juillet constitue le moment opportun pour préserver ce qui fonctionne », a déclaré Greg Northey, président de l’Alliance canadienne pour le commerce agroalimentaire. 

Le message de la délégation aux représentants américains repose sur un intérêt économique partagé, car les organisations à l’origine de cet appel représentent des chaînes d’approvisionnement profondément ancrées dans l’économie américaine. 

« Les producteurs, les transformateurs et les exportateurs que nous représentons soutiennent près d’un demi-million d’emplois américains et génèrent 149 milliards de dollars de production économique aux États-Unis », a ajouté Michael Harvey, directeur général de l’Alliance canadienne pour le commerce agroalimentaire. 

« Un ACEUM prévisible et fondé sur des règles constitue un atout stratégique pour la sécurité alimentaire nord-américaine ; toute nouvelle incertitude introduirait des risques au sein des chaînes d’approvisionnement dans l’ensemble des régions rurales des États-Unis. » 

Le Canada figure parmi les deux principaux marchés d’exportation de produits agricoles des États-Unis, achetant davantage de produits agricoles américains que le Japon, la Corée du Sud et le Royaume-Uni réunis. La chaîne d’approvisionnement agroalimentaire nord-américaine soutient près de 493 000 emplois américains et génère 36 milliards de dollars en salaires, tout en contribuant à soutenir le volume global de 3,5 milliards de dollars de biens et services échangés quotidiennement à la frontière canado-américaine. 

Maintenir l’ACEUM sur des bases stables et prévisibles est essentiel à la position concurrentielle et à la sécurité économique de l’Amérique du Nord. L’examen conjoint de l’ACEUM, prévu pour le 1er juillet 2026, constitue une occasion privilégiée de préserver ces acquis, de renforcer l’application des règles et la prévisibilité, et de consolider un cadre qui a permis une croissance substantielle des exportations de produits agroalimentaires depuis 2020. 

Les représentants de l’ACCA seront disponibles pour discuter des résultats des réunions de cette semaine avec les médias, une fois celles-ci terminées. 

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À propos de l’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire 
L’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA) est une coalition d’organisations nationales et régionales qui représente les producteurs, les transformateurs et les exportateurs des principaux secteurs agroalimentaires du Canada. L’Alliance défend un environnement commercial international ouvert, fondé sur des règles et équitable pour l’agriculture et l’agroalimentaire canadiens, en appuyant la création d’emplois et la croissance dans les communautés rurales du Canada, tout en contribuant à garder les aliments abordables et les chaînes d’approvisionnement résilientes partout en Amérique du Nord. 

Pour les demandes médias, veuillez contacter :
Hana Sabah, consultante en communications 
info@cafta.org | 514-834-8841 

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 

CAFTA Executive Director Michael Harvey Appointed to Canada–U.S. Economic Advisory Committee

April 21, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) welcomes the appointment of its Executive Director, Michael Harvey, to the Government of Canada’s newly established Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations, ahead of the 2026 Joint Review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and to be chaired by Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the Advisory Committee includes leaders from business, labour, and industry and will serve as a forum to inform Canada’s economic and security engagement with the United States.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent Canada’s agri-food exporters on this Committee,” said Michael Harvey. “It presents our sector with an important opportunity to drive exporter priorities into action, including maintaining reliable cross-border trade, addressing emerging barriers, and strengthening the framework that underpins North American food production.”

CAFTA represents 90 per cent of Canada’s agri-food exporters, whose livelihoods depend on trade. With nearly $3.6 billion in goods and services crossing the Canada–U.S. border daily, that relationship is central to Canada’s competitiveness, export growth, and farm viability.

“As CUSMA discussions advance, it will be essential that Canada’s agri-food exporters have a strong voice at the table,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “The sector is counting on a clear focus on protecting market access, minimizing trade disruptions, and reinforcing the integrated nature of Canada–U.S. supply chains.”

Through this appointment, CAFTA will advance priorities on behalf of Canada’s export-dependent agri-food sector, including securing and strengthening market access under CUSMA, reducing non-tariff barriers, and reinforcing a stable and reliable trading environment.

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About CAFTA:
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) 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.

For more information, please contact:
Hana Sabah
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.org

Canadian agri-food leaders in Washington to champion North American competitiveness ahead of USMCA review 

Nov. 17, 2025 (Ottawa, ON; Washington, D.C.) – Canada’s leading agri-food exporters are in Washington, D.C., this week, meeting with U.S. lawmakers to underscore how the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA) drives jobs, growth, and food security across North America. 

The delegation, organized by the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), brings together 12 national industry groups representing Canada’s grains, livestock, food-processing, and life sciences sectors, industries that account for more than 90% of farmers and the agri-food industry that depends on trade. 

“CAFTA is in Washington to highlight what the USMCA makes possible,” said Greg Northey, Chair of CAFTA. “It’s the backbone of our shared economic security, keeping cross-border supply chains efficient, competitive, and delivering affordable, high-quality food to consumers on both sides of the border.” 

Canada is the largest customer for U.S. agri-food exports, purchasing more than US $722 per person in American farm products every year. 

The USMCA, which entered into force in 2020, faces its first joint review in 2026, a pivotal test of North America’s ability to keep borders open and supply chains competitive. Canadian agri-food exporters are urging all three governments to reaffirm the agreement’s full 16-year term to provide predictability for farmers, processors, and consumers alike. 

“Certainty is the currency of trade,” said Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA. “Extending the USMCA will send the strongest possible signal to markets that North America remains open, reliable, and ready to compete.” 

Canada, the United States, and Mexico launched consultations ahead of the review. CAFTA’s submission notes that despite political uncertainty, agri-food trade has remained stable, tariff-free, and mutually beneficial, with strong U.S. industry support for rules-based trade with Canada. 

CAFTA’s Washington mission also stresses the importance of managing trade, border, and security relationships as part of a single North American framework. 

“Integrated supply chains ensure the economic competitiveness of both our countries,” added Harvey. “This review is the moment to double down on what works: predictability, partnership, and a shared commitment that keeps our food systems resilient.” 

Representatives from CAFTA will be available to speak with media at the conclusion of the week’s meetings. 

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About CAFTA: 
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national and regional 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, who together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security. For more information, visit www.cafta.org

For more information, please contact: 
Hana Sabah 
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) 
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.ca 

Canada Grains Council Welcomes CUSMA Panel Decision on Genetically Modified Corn

Jan. 6, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – The Canada Grains Council (CGC) welcomes the recent CUSMA panel ruling, which determined that the restrictions Mexico placed on genetically modified (GM) corn were not scientifically justified. Predictable and science-based trade rules are the foundation of a stable and secure food supply across North America.

“For Canadian farmers and grain exporters, reliable access to international markets can mean the difference between success and failure,” said Krista Thomas, Vice-President, Trade Policy and Seed Innovation for the CGC. “When major trading partners like Mexico veer away from science-based rules, it creates uncertainty for farmers who rely on GM crops to run their farms efficiently, stay profitable, and take care of the environment.”

“GM crops enable farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health,” she added.

The dispute centered on Mexico’s 2023 presidential decree, which banned the use of GM corn in dough and tortillas and proposed a phased reduction of GM corn in animal feed and other food uses. The panel found these measures were not based on international standards or guidelines and noted that Mexico failed to conduct a risk assessment before issuing the decree.

“Canadian officials and technical experts played a key role in this dispute,” Thomas said. “Our sector deeply values the strong support for international standards and risk assessment principles, in line with WTO and CUSMA commitments.”

“This case highlights the importance of collaboration among CUSMA partners to support North America’s integrated agricultural supply chains,” Thomas added. “We’re eager to see Canada, Mexico, and the United States continue their efforts to support innovation and sustainable practices in North American agriculture.”

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For more information, contact:

Sandra Filion
Vice President Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(613) 277-0109 | sandra@canadagrainscouncil.ca

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