(Ottawa, Canada – April 8, 2025) A delegation of Canadian agri-food leaders is in Washington, DC this week to highlight the vital role of North American trade in supporting jobs and keeping food affordable across the continent.

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Organized by the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), the visit aims to strengthen collaboration with U.S. counterparts and reinforce the value of rules-based, integrated agri-food trade between the two countries.

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“Canada and the U.S. are not just trading partners—we are production partners,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA and Vice-President of Corporate Affairs at Pulse Canada. “Our integrated supply chains create jobs on both sides of the border and provide American consumers with stable, affordable access to food."

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While in Washington, CAFTA delegates will meet with members of Congress and senior administration officials responsible for agri-food and trade policy. Discussions will focus on the importance of preserving integrated supply chains, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening North American competitiveness.

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“From farm to fork, Canada and the U.S. grow food together,” said Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA. “This integrated approach lowers costs, improves efficiency, and builds more resilient food systems for both countries.”

 

Joining Northey and Harvey are representatives from across Canada’s agri-food sector including:

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• Jennifer Babcock, Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs, Canadian Cattle Association

• Dave Carey, Vice-President, Government & Industry Relations, Canadian Canola Growers Association; Vice-President, CAFTA

• René Roy, Chairman, Canadian Pork Council

• Stephen Heckbert, Executive Director, Canadian Pork Council

• Sandra Marsden, President, Canadian Sugar Institute

• Troy Sherman, Senior Director, Government & Industry Relations, Canola Council of Canada

• Leif Carlson, Director, Market Intelligence and Trade Policy, Cereals Canada

• Emilie Bergeron, Vice-President, Chemistry, CropLife Canada

• Dennis Prouse, Vice-President, Government Relations, Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada

• Kyle Larkin, Executive Director, Grain Growers of Canada

• Cathy Jo Noble, Vice-President, Policy and Government, National Cattle Feeders Association

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Together, these leaders represent a united Canadian voice working to maintain and grow a thriving, rules-based North American agri-food trade system that benefits workers, consumers, and economies across the continent.

CAFTA representatives will be made available to the media for interviews on the conclusion of the week’s events.

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