CAFTA was formed in late 1997 to strengthen the voice of Canadian agriculture and food exporters  in international trade.  Initially, CAFTA was organized as an informal coalition of trade-oriented producer and industry groups.  CAFTA was incorporated in 2003.

Today, CAFTA has 12 members representing the entire agri-food value chain.  Membership includes producer organizations, food processors, marketers and exporters from Canada’s major trade dependent agri-food sectors.  Each CAFTA member is entitled to nominate one director to sit on the CAFTA Board of Directors.

CAFTA ensures that the interests of its members are effectively represented in international trade negotiations through co-operation with federal, provincial and international governments and national and international industry groups.

Our logo story 

Established in 1997, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) was formed to strengthen the voice of Canadian agriculture and food exporters in international trade.

The CAFTA logo depicts a Canada goose in flight. An iconic symbol of Canadian pride, geese are gifted navigators who travel long distances with courage. Known for intricate methods of communication, they work together as a team demonstrating loyalty, confidence and determination.

For nearly 20 years, CAFTA members have worked together to advocate for a more open and fair international trading environment that benefits Canadians, and the agriculture value chain, from farmers and ranchers to processors and exporters. CAFTA members represent 80 per cent of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports that directly employ close to 500,000 Canadians.