Canadian agriculture has benefitted less than European farms from a trade deal that came into force two years ago.
Since Canada and the European Union started the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2017 Europe’s share of farm exports has increased. Canada’s share has declined.
European exports of beef, pork and other food products increased 10 per cent while Canadian ag exports to the EU have declined by that percentage.
Canadian pork exports have been stuck at $4 million a year since 2015. In the first 11 months of 2018 European pork exports jumped from $99 million to $157 million.
Members of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) say they are sick of technical trade barriers related to issues like veterinary medicines and imposition of European rules hindering trade.
Those non-tariff barriers seem to have public support because of some perceptions about Canadian agriculture.
According to CAFTA, many European farmers and consumers view farming in Canada “as the wild west” and less safe than European farms.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
