Canadian Beef Producers Concerned with the Government’s Direction

Calgary, AB — The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is deeply concerned with the Federal Government’s approach to food security and trade diversification in the Spring Economic update.
 
While there was recognition of the challenges the agriculture industry faces, including higher input costs, weather and market disruptions, the government’s emphasis to conclude negotiations with Mercosur as soon as possible fails to recognize the risks this agreement poses to food security.
 
The Prime Minister has declared his government will work on lessening our dependence on certain trading partners, and yet the Government is willing to increase our dependence on beef imports from Mercosur countries. Not only is this approach contradictory, it is also dangerous.
 
Already, Canadian beef imports have been at the highest levels since 1993 and now represent 30 per cent of our domestic consumption. This is higher compared to similar jurisdictions like the United States (19%), the European Union (7%), Australia (3%) and Mercosur (1%). We can also expect a bigger flood of beef imports into Canada from Brazil and Australia with these countries now being shut out of China.
 
The Canadian Government cannot support food security if at the same time they are willing to undermine Canadian farmers and ranchers in trade negotiations. CCA believes in trade diversification; however, we cannot diversify for the sake of diversifying.
 
“Beef raised in Canada generates 50 per cent fewer emissions and helps protect grasslands—one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems,” says Tyler Fulton, CCA President. He added, “Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are proud of our high standards for animal welfare and labour while providing vital environmental benefits like ecosystem protection, carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat. This results in the sustainably produced, premium beef that Canada is known for around the world.”
 
Fulton also emphasized, “It is extremely disappointing for Canadian beef producers to be dismissed in the pursuit of an accelerated free trade deal that favours lower quality imported beef from a country with lower standards in labour, environment, animal health and food safety.”
 
The Spring Economic Update recognizes the fragility of our food supply chain. About 30 per cent of Canada’s food supply is imported. Relying heavily on food imports exposes Canadians to multiple disruptions outside of our control.
 
Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are disappointed the Federal Government is choosing to focus on short-term outcomes instead of long-term solutions that truly address food security and make our country stronger by supporting the growth and expansion of the Canadian beef industry.
 
If we want to be a regional superpower in trade, we cannot undermine the men and women who wake up each day to feed Canadians.