Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) welcomes today’s announcement that Canada and the other members have successfully concluded negotiations on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Canadian grain farmers are trade dependent and the nations involved in the CPTPP represent some of our most lucrative and fastest growing markets for grains, pulses, and oilseeds.
“This agreement will benefit tens of thousands of grain farmers spread across Canada,” said GGC President, Jeff Nielsen (Olds, AB). “Grains are part of a dynamic agriculture sector that employs 2.3 million hard-working middle-class Canadians who will all benefit from being part of this agreement. Growers across Canada thank the Government for following through with this trade agreement and look forward to continuing to support a trade agenda that delivers results for Canada’s export oriented agriculture sector.”
Grain farmers seek a level playing field and rules-based terms when engaging with trading partners. The tariff reductions and trade rules that have been negotiated in this historic trade agreement will bring growth and real benefits to the Canadian economy as a whole.
“By providing tools like strong trade agreements, the Canadian government can help farmers grow our industry and the economy far into the future,” said Margaret Hansen (Moose Jaw, SK), Chair of the GGC Trade Committee. “This will help our growers increase exports to meet the government’s ambitious target of $75 billion in exports by 2025. I am confident this is a goal we can achieve.”
Markets in the CPTPP represent expanding populations and importers that recognize and value Canada’s high-quality grain and agri-food products.
“Grain farmers and the rural communities they work and live in, from British Columbia to my home province of Prince Edward Island, will all benefit from Canada’s participation in the CPTPP,” said Michael Delaney (Summerside, PEI), GGC representative to the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. “GGC looks forward to the final signing of the CPTPP in the very near future.”
Source : Grain Growers of Canada