Canada’s agri-food exporters to attend the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference amid rising global tensions and food security challenges
June 10th, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario – June 10 , 2022 – To feed families in Canada and around the world, farmers, food manufacturers and agri-food exporters rely on an effective rules-based global trading system that underpins free and open markets. That is why the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is sending a delegation to the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) which is being held from June 12 to 15 in Geneva. MC12 has been rescheduled twice and will be the first meeting of WTO Trade Ministers since the pandemic began.
Agri-food exporters are expecting meaningful outcomes from MC12. These include breaking the impasse holding up the WTO’s dispute resolution function, tackling trade-distorting subsidies, improving transparency, winding down export restrictions and ensuring the WTO puts science at the forefront of trade policy rule making. CAFTA members are also seeking commitments on a Sanitary and Phytosanitary Declaration (SPS) and a credible workplan to advance agriculture negotiations.
Throughout MC12, CAFTA members will be actively participating in discussions and engaging with Canadian and international officials. CAFTA representatives will also be available throughout the conference to speak with Canadian and international media. Members of CAFTA’s delegation include Greg Northey (CAFTA Vice President and Pulse Canada Vice President), Claire Citeau (Executive Director), Fawn Jackson (Director Policy and International Affairs, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association) and Bob Lowe (Past President, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association).
CAFTA will also be issuing a summary news release once MC12 outcomes are known.
To schedule an interview with CAFTA’s delegation please contact: