NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 2, 2026, 4:09pm

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on June 2, 2026, 2:47pm

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 30, 2026, 1:12pm

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 30, 2026, 1:12pm

“Too Much on the Line” campaign launched as new study reveals the cost of supply chain disruptions

April 30, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – A new economic analysis finds a single week of rail and port disruptions during peak export season costs Canada’s grain sector up to $540 million, largely in unrecoverable export sales.

The analysis, commissioned by the Agriculture Transport Coalition, examined the economic impact of labour disruptions across rail and port operations during peak grain export periods and found that losses compound rapidly and fall disproportionately on farmers and exporters, with missed sales that cannot be recovered once shipments are delayed.

The coalition released the findings today as part of Too Much on the Line, a national campaign calling on the federal government to reform Canada’s labour relations framework and reduce the risk of future supply chain shutdowns.

The coalition is encouraging Canadians to visit KeepGrainMoving.ca and send a letter to their Member of Parliament, adding that participation in the federal consultation process is critical to ensuring government decisions reflect the economic realities of Canada’s grain supply chain.

“Every time grain stops moving, the consequences are immediate and unrecoverable,” said Bruce Burrows, executive director of Grain Growers of Canada. “Missed sales, broken contracts, and a reputation as a reliable supplier that takes years to rebuild. Canada cannot keep accepting this as the cost of doing business. There is simply too much on the line.”

The grain sector is uniquely exposed. Canada exports over 70 per cent of its grain production, with 94 per cent moving by rail. The analysis found that even the threat of disruption triggers losses, with up to $112 million in missed sales occurring before a work stoppage begins.

The findings come against the backdrop of the unprecedented dual railway stoppage in 2024, which brought grain shipments to a halt and cost the sector millions of dollars per day. Repeated disruptions have raised questions about Canada’s reliability as a global supplier at a time when agricultural exports are central to economic resilience.

With federal consultations on the labour relations framework now underway, the coalition is calling for two targeted recommendations:

• Ensure good-faith bargaining by appointing a Special Mediator to oversee collective bargaining, manage timelines, and ensure progress

• Resolve disputes before they escalate by providing the Minister with authority to consider economic harm and refer disputes to binding arbitration when necessary

“Canada’s customers expect reliability, and repeated disruptions put that at risk,” said Greg Northey, vice president of corporate affairs with Pulse Canada. “With so much on the line, this is a critical moment to ensure the right policy framework is in place.”

The coalition said it will continue to engage with government and stakeholders throughout the consultation process, with a focus on advancing solutions that protect Canada’s reputation, support farmers, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Hana Sabah
hana@graingrowers.ca | (514) 834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on April 21, 2026, 12:34pm

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 27, 2026, 7:00am

Canada Grains Council calls for strong action to address innovation-related trade barriers facing Canadian grain exports to the EU

Jan. 27, 2026 (Ottawa, ON) — The Canada Grains Council (CGC) has released a new white paper calling for stronger Canadian leadership to address emerging innovation-related trade barriers in the European Union (EU) that threaten the competitiveness of Canada’s grain exports.

The paper examines how increasing regulatory divergence—particularly in the EU—is creating uncertainty for Canadian exporters and limiting agriculture’s ability to support Canada’s trade diversification and economic growth objectives.

“As Canada looks to diversify trade and strengthen economic resilience, agriculture must be part of the solution,” said Erin Gowriluk, President of the Canada Grains Council. “Science-based, risk-based regulation is essential to maintaining market access and ensuring Canadian farmers can continue to innovate.”

The white paper warns that the EU’s hazard-based regulation and move towards pesticide reciprocity measures could restrict Canadian exports produced using crop protection tools approved as safe by Canadian regulators, setting a trade restrictive precedent that could spread to other key markets for Canadian grain.

To address these risks, the white paper outlines two key recommendations for the Government of Canada:

Establish and lead a coalition of like-minded countries to defend science- and risk- based regulation and promote trade-facilitative approaches to crop protection standards, including improved international alignment on maximum residue levels (MRLs).
Fully utilize existing bilateral mechanisms, including those under the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), to challenge innovation-related trade barriers and oppose the EU’s pesticide reciprocity approach.

“Canada has an opportunity to lead globally on science-based trade,” Gowriluk said. “By working with trusted partners, we can protect export markets, support innovation and strengthen agriculture’s contribution to Canada’s economy.”

Read the White Paper (PDF)

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For more information, please contact:

Erin Gowriluk
President
Canada Grains Council
343-549-4767 | erin@canadagrainscouncil.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 19, 2026, 11:27am

Canada’s Agri-Food Exporters Welcome Pragmatic Engagement with China

Jan. 19, 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance welcomes renewed, pragmatic engagement with China that marks an important first step toward restoring stability and predictability in the bilateral trading relationship despite remaining market access challenges.

Canadian agri-food exporters have faced prolonged uncertainty in recent years as market access barriers and sudden trade disruptions have limited their ability to serve customers in one of the world’s largest agricultural markets. Against that backdrop, renewed dialogue, reduced tariffs and progress on unresolved issues is a positive development for the sector.

“The Prime Minister has shown leadership that creates new opportunity for the Canadian agri-food industry” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “We have long called on the Canadian government to engage with China to support our ability to export to China without trade barriers – last week’s developments are a breath of fresh air.”

Stable and predictable access to international markets is essential for Canada’s export-oriented agri-food sector. Exporters rely on clear, rules-based trade frameworks to make long-term investment, production, and supply chain decisions that support jobs and economic activity across the country.

“The potential for more Canada-China agri-food trade is vast as Canada produces the products that Chinese consumers want to purchase” added Michael Harvey, executive director of CAFTA. “Continued engagement with China by government officials at all levels will be required to seize the momentum of this new era.”

CAFTA encourages continued engagement between Canada and China to ensure that commitments are implemented and that remaining market access barriers across the agri-food sector are addressed. Ongoing dialogue and follow-through will be critical to rebuilding exporter confidence and strengthening Canada’s position in global agri-food markets.

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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, and processed food 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.org

Les exportateurs agroalimentaires canadiens saluent l’engagement pragmatique avec la Chine

Le 19 janvier 2026 (Ottawa, Ont.) – L’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA) se réjouit de la reprise de l’engagement pragmatique avec la Chine, qui constitue une première étape importante vers le rétablissement de la stabilité et de la prévisibilité des relations commerciales bilatérales, malgré les difficultés d’accès au marché qui persistent.

Ces dernières années, les exportateurs agroalimentaires canadiens ont fait face à une incertitude prolongée, les obstacles à l’accès au marché et les perturbations commerciales soudaines ayant limité leur capacité à servir leurs clients sur l’un des plus grands marchés agricoles au monde. Dans ce contexte, la reprise du dialogue, la réduction des tarifs douaniers et les progrès réalisés sur les questions en suspens représentent une évolution positive pour le secteur.

« Le premier ministre a fait preuve d’un leadership qui ouvre de nouvelles perspectives à l’industrie agroalimentaire canadienne », a déclaré Greg Northey, président de l’ACCA. « Nous avons longtemps exhorté le gouvernement canadien à dialoguer avec la Chine afin de soutenir notre capacité d’exporter vers ce pays sans barrières commerciales – les développements de la semaine dernière sont un véritable soulagement. »

Un accès stable et prévisible aux marchés internationaux est essentiel pour le secteur agroalimentaire canadien, tourné vers l’exportation. Les exportateurs comptent sur des cadres commerciaux clairs et fondés sur des règles pour prendre des décisions à long terme en matière d’investissement, de production et de chaîne d’approvisionnement, ce qui soutient l’emploi et l’activité économique partout au pays.

« Le potentiel d’accroissement des échanges agroalimentaires entre le Canada et la Chine est immense, car le Canada produit les produits que les consommateurs chinois souhaitent acheter », a ajouté Michael Harvey, directeur général de l’ACCA. « Un dialogue continu avec la Chine, de la part des représentants gouvernementaux à tous les niveaux, sera nécessaire pour tirer parti de cette nouvelle dynamique. »

L’ACCA encourage la poursuite du dialogue entre le Canada et la Chine afin d’assurer la mise en oeuvre des engagements et la levée des obstacles persistants à l’accès aux marchés dans le secteur agroalimentaire. Un dialogue continu et un suivi rigoureux seront essentiels pour rétablir la confiance des exportateurs et renforcer la position du Canada sur les marchés agroalimentaires mondiaux.

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À propos de l’ACCA
L’Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA) est une coalition d’organisations nationales et régionales qui militent en faveur d’un environnement commercial international plus ouvert, plus réglementé et plus équitable pour les secteurs agricole et agroalimentaire du Canada. Les membres de la CAFTA comprennent les industries du boeuf, du porc, des céréales, des oléagineux, du sucre et des aliments transformés qui, ensemble, contribuent de manière significative à l’économie et à la sécurité alimentaire du Canada. Pour plus d’informations, consultez le site www.cafta.org.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter
Hana Sabah
Alliance canadienne du commerce agroalimentaire (ACCA)
514-834-8841 | info@cafta.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on January 16, 2026, 2:39pm

Grain Growers of Canada Statement on Canada–China Trade Developments

OTTAWA, Jan. 16, 2026 – Grain Growers of Canada welcomes renewed engagement between Canada and China, including Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing and today’s announcement of preliminary steps to de-escalate recent trade tensions.

For Canada’s grain farmers, restoring predictability and access to key export markets matters. China is Canada’s second-largest grain market, and prolonged trade disruptions have had real consequences on farm revenues, cash flow, and confidence. Any progress that lowers barriers for Canadian agricultural products, including canola and pulses, is a positive step for farmers who depend on stable, rules-based trade.

Grain Growers of Canada has consistently called for pragmatic engagement with both the United States and China to protect tariff-free access and prevent farmers from becoming collateral damage in broader geopolitical disputes. Over 70 percent of the grain grown in Canada is exported, and there are simply no alternatives that can replace markets of this scale.

At the same time, renewed engagement must be grounded in predictability and follow-through. Canadian farmers need assurance that market access will be durable, transparent, and insulated as much as possible from future political escalation. Ongoing issues around trade enforcement, regulatory certainty, and the treatment of Canadian exports will require continued, steady government attention.

As discussions continue following this week’s announcements, Grain Growers of Canada urges the federal government to keep agriculture front and centre, work closely with producers and exporters, and ensure that progress translates into reliable market access at the farm gate.

Canadian grain farmers are ready to supply global markets. What they need from government is consistency, certainty, and a clear commitment to keeping trade working.

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):
As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 100,000 producers through our 15 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 120 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and for 160 countries around the world, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC champions federal policies that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on November 17, 2025, 2:17pm

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

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on November 4, 2025, 4:40pm

Budget 2025 Provides Clarity for Canadian Grain Farmers but Raises Concerns for Competitiveness

Nov. 4, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) responded to targeted wins for grain farmers in Budget 2025, including the permanent reversal of the capital gains tax increase, but cautioned that other measures could undermine farm competitiveness.

“Budget 2025 acknowledged the impact that the capital gains tax increase would have had on family-run grain farms across Canada by permanently reversing it,” began Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “This will ensure that family farms can continue their succession planning with certainty and that the next generation of farmers does not pay millions of dollars more in taxes.”

The budget also allocated significant sums towards trade diversification, including in response to the challenges that growers are currently facing due to Chinese tariffs on canola and peas. This includes the creation of a Strategic Exports Office and funds for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to modernize trade tools and secure market access.

“I’m seeing first-hand how trade uncertainty is impacting grain farmers across the country,” said Scott Hepworth, Chair of Grain Growers of Canada and a grain farmer from Saskatchewan. “With challenges in the U.S. and tariffs in China, producers are under real pressure. The new investments in digital export tools and market diversification are positive steps. We need every tool available to keep grain moving, find new customers, and protect our bottom line in an unpredictable global environment.”

Infrastructure also features prominently in Budget 2025, with $213 million for the Major Projects Office to coordinate public and private investment and a new $5 billion Trade Diversification Fund to strengthen Canada’s export corridors. With nearly 70% of Canadian grain exported, efficient port infrastructure remains vital to keeping products moving to global markets on time and competitively.

“We continue to urge the government to add the Port of Vancouver to the next major projects list,” said Larkin. “It’s the single most important export gateway for Canadian grain, and its inclusion would send a clear signal that Ottawa is serious about improving trade competitiveness.”

Missing from the budget, however, was any commitment to extended interswitching, a key measure that expired in March 2025 and had allowed the sector to access competing rail lines, reducing shipping costs and improving service. “Without extended interswitching, farmers lose a competitive tool that kept costs in check and performance accountable,” Larkin warned.

GGC also expressed concern over the government’s plan to reduce Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s operating budget by 15% over three years, a move that could undermine public research and breeding programs essential to innovation and productivity.

“While Budget 2025 provides much-needed clarity for farmers, it falls short of delivering the full competitiveness framework needed,” continued Larkin. “We look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure the sector remains competitive, resilient, and profitable to drive Canada’s export economy.”

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):
As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 70,000 producers through our 14 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 110 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and for 160 countries around the world, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC champions federal policies that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

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