March 18th, 2024: The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national organizations that support a more open and fair international trading environment for agriculture and agri-food. CAFTA represents the 90% of farmers who depend on trade and ranchers, producers, processors, and agri-food exporters who want to grow the economy through better access to international markets. This includes the beef, pork, meat, grains, cereals, pulses, soybeans, canola as well as the sugar and processed food industries. The sectors CAFTA represents support over a million jobs in urban and rural communities across Canada.
March 5, 2024: The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) participated at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, February 26-March 1 to underline the importance Canada’s agri-food exporters place on open, predictable, and rules-based trade.
February 21, 2024: Michael Harvey, Executive Director of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), today issued the following statement in response to the opening of Canada´s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (“the Office”).
February 12, 2024: Canadian agri-food exporters need an open and fair international trading environment to thrive. The global trading system is unfortunately under a great deal of pressure, but Canada can play a key role in protecting it
November 21st, 2023: On November 6, CAFTA’s Executive Director, Michael Harvey gave opening remarks to the House Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE) on the Study of the Situation at the Russia-Ukraine Border and Implications for Peace and Security.
October 31st, 2023: C-282 is profoundly contrary to the national interest of a trading country like Canada. As was stated in an open letter issued on October 23 by a group of the finest trade negotiators to have represented Canada over the past decades, “The Bill would seriously handicap Canadian Governments – irrespective of their political affiliation -- and their trade negotiators to accommodate the give-and-take of future trade negotiations to open up new markets and secure valued access for Canadian products, services and investments.”
October 3rd, 2023: CAFTA Members met today to choose its leadership for the years ahead. The last year has highlighted the importance of having agri-food producers and exporters at the center of policy decisions.
​September 5th, 2023
​In this edition, you will find:
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CAFTA’s new executive director
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The state of agricultural trade
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Canada Joining the Corn Dispute between the US and Mexico
August 29th, 2023: Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the following statement regarding the Government of Canada’s announcement that it will participate as a third party in CUSMA Dispute Settlement Panel Proceedings in which the US is challenging Mexico’s ban on the use of biotech corn in tortillas or dough.
August 23rd, 2023
​In this edition, you will find:
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CAFTA’s Board Meeting
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Indo-Pacific Agricultural Office Location
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New CAFTA Members
June 28th, 2023: Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the statement below regarding the addition of CropLife Canada and Soy Canada to the CAFTA board.
“On behalf of the CAFTA Board, we are pleased to announce the addition of two new members: CropLife Canada and Soy Canada. These members complement our diverse board and strengthen our agricultural alliance to advocate for free and open trade,” stated CAFTA President Dan Darling.
June 26th, 2023: Ottawa, ON – June 23, 2023 –Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the statement below regarding the appointment of Michael Harvey as Executive Director for CAFTA.
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“The CAFTA Board is excited to welcome Michael Harvey as our new Executive Director. Michael’s experience in diplomacy, policy and government relations will help advance CAFTA’s priorities in the years ahead” stated CAFTA President Dan Darling.
June 21st, 2023: CAFTA members are profoundly disappointed the House of Commons have voted to pass Bill C-282 on third reading. In doing so, Members of Parliament have chosen to entrench protectionism and favour one economic sector above all others
June 20th, 2023: Canadian agri-food exporters, representing the 90% of Canadian farmers, producers, food manufacturers and agri-food businesses who depend on trade write to respectfully urge you to oppose Bill C-282 An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management) on June 21, 2023, for third reading.
June 20th, 2023: CAFTA members, who represent 90% of Canadian farmers, as well as agri-food exporters, urge all Members of Parliament to put Canadians first by voting against Bill C-282 this evening. By not doing so, MPs will be choosing to entrench protectionism as official Canadian trade policy.
June 8th, 2023: Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the statement below regarding Minister Bibeau’s announcement of Manila, Philippines as the location of the first Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. Minister Bibeau made the announcement during a meeting with CAFTA members yesterday in Ottawa.
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“CAFTA members have long called for an Indo-Pacific Strategy that would help us seize the many opportunities that exist throughout these dynamic and fast-growing markets.”
May 5th, 2023:
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1 - C-282 runs counter to Canada’s long-standing trade policy and will hurt Canada during trade negotiations
2 -C-282 erodes Canada’s credibility as a leading voice for free and open trade
3- C-282 is bad policy for a highly diversified economy like Canada’s
4 -C-282 is bad from a food security perspective
April 17th, 2023: Ottawa, ON – April 17, 2023 –Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the statement below regarding United Kingdom’s Accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
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“CAFTA members have long been supportive of the expansion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provided new members adhere to the high standards and level of ambition this agreement has achieved.
April 3rd, 2023
In this edition, you will find:
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CAFTA’s opposition to Bill C-282
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Global Food Security Event
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FTA Updates
March 31st, 2023
On March 31, the CAFTA Board of Directors opened the search for a permanent executive director position. The Job description is attached, for any interested please send your resume and cover letter with attention to ‘Hiring Committee’ in the subject line to advocacy@ccga.ca by April 24, 2023. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
February 22, 2023
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance today announced that Adam Taylor will be the new interim Executive Director of CAFTA effective February 20.
“On behalf of CAFTA’s Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Adam to our team,” stated CAFTA president Dan Darling. “We are confident Adam’s experience and skills will help ensure a seamless transition as we continue to advance CAFTA’s key priorities.”
February 9, 2023
Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the statement below regarding the passing of the second reading for Bill C-282 An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management).
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“CAFTA members, who represent 90 per cent of Canadian farmers, producers, food manufacturers and agri-food businesses, strongly oppose Bill C-282 An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management).”
January 26th, 2023
In this edition you will find:
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CAFTA’s major win for reviewing FTAs
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Consultations on Trade Negotiations with Ecuador
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2023 North American Leader’s Summit.
Statement to the Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) on the Potential Trade Impacts of the United States Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on Certain Firms and Workers in Canada
November 29, 2022: I'm pleased to be here to share preliminary views on behalf of Canada's agri-food exporters on how the American Inflation Reduction Act—or IRA—may impact our sector and what we believe Canada's response should be.
November 27, 2022: Dan Darling, president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the following statement as the federal government released additional details about its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
“Our members are excited about opportunities in the Indo-Pacific, and at the same time are worried about losing market share to our competitors. That is why we welcome a Strategy that orchestrates greater engagement and puts agri-food at the heart of Canada’s push for deeper trade and investment ties throughout the region.”
November 21, 2022: On behalf of the Canadian Agri-food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), we are pleased to submit the following information to the AGRI Committee as it continues to look at issues related to global food insecurity. We believe that access to food should know no boundaries and that trade policy rooted in free and open trade is one of the best ways to ensure food remains plentiful around the world.
November 18, 2022: Dan Darling, president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the following statement in response to the Government of Canada’s announcement of investments in the Indo-Pacific region.
“CAFTA has long called for deeper trade and investment ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region, and we welcome all efforts to grow Canada’s presence and relations in markets that are vital to our long-term prosperity.”
October 26, 2022: Thank-you for the invitation to present to you today.
My name is Claire Citeau, and I am the Executive Director of the Canadian Agri-food Trade Alliance or CAFTA, the voice of Canadian agri-food exporters.
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Access to food should know no boundaries.
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Given that our mandate is focused on trade liberalization, I will speak to the matter of global food security and Canada’s role from a trade policy perspective.
October 12th, 2022
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In this edition you will find:
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Visit from the Honourable Minister Mary Ng
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New CPC Leadership and Diplomatic Appointments
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Harvest 2022 Updates
September 22, 2022: Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), today issued the statement below marking the fifth anniversary of the Canada-EU Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
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“What made CETA a gold-standard, 21st century pact was that it went beyond tariffs and secured ambitious outcomes on a wide range of non-tariff issues…However, after 5 years of provisional implementation, significant non-tariff barriers remain in place that are severely restricting or threatening to jeopardize the market access CETA promised our sector.”
August 12, 2022:
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In this edition, you will find:
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MC12 outcomes
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CAFTA’s participation at MC12
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WTO Updates
June 17th, 2022: Greg Northey, Vice President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance and head of CAFTA’s delegation to MC12 in Geneva, today issued the following statement regarding outcomes at the first WTO Ministerial Meeting in over five years.
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“Overall, amid rising global tensions and ever-increasing food security challenges, Canada’s agri-food exporters were expecting meaningful outcomes on agriculture at MC12.
“We thank Minister Ng, Ambassador De Boer and Canadian officials for their constructive work
and diligent attempts to secure ambitious results over the past several days. The effort to find
solutions to many of the challenges the world is facing were appreciated by Canadian agri-food
exporters that depend on free and rules-based trade.”
June 14th, 2022:
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In this edition, you will find:
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Free Trade as Critical to Global Food Security
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WTO and related updates
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FTA Updates
June 10th, 2022: The current context of record food prices and increasing food insecurity has given new urgency to the role of trade in addressing the challenges we face today. Groups representing farmers, ranchers, food producers and exporters from Argentina, Australia, Canada, Colombia, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States of America issued the following statement:
“With record food prices and ever-increasing food insecurity, it would be unimaginable for the WTO to fail to deliver a substantial outcome on agriculture at the upcoming Ministerial Conference.”
June 10th, 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.
May 18th, 2022: – Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) issued the statement below regarding China’s lifting of restrictions affecting Canada’s canola exports,
“Agri-food exporters are very pleased that trade is going to once again be normalized with China, a significant export destination for our sector.”
May 12th, 2022: – Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the policy statement below regarding growing concerns about food security around the world.
“While global supply chains have been pushed to the brink during the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Russian invasion of Ukraine has increased the focus on global food security.”
May 11th, 2022:
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In this edition you will find:
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The Federal Budget 2022 & Trade and Agri-Food
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CAFTA’s Trade and Advocacy Dialogue
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The War in Ukraine: Continued Impacts on Global Agri-Food Markets
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FTA Updates
May 9th, 2022: Thank you for the opportunity to speak about ways for Canada to maximize opportunities throughout the Indo-Pacific.
CAFTA is the voice of Canadian agri-food exporters, representing the 90% of farmers in Canada who depend on trade and those growing the economy through better access to markets: beef, pork, wheat, grains, oilseeds, canola, sugar, malt, pulses and process foods.
March 28th, 2022:
While the unfortunate reality of COVID-19 has caused international trade to take a backseat to pandemic fighting, we believe it must once again be at the top of Canada’s economic recovery agenda. Throughout 2022, CAFTA will continue to show Canadian policy- and decision-makers as well as Canadian consumers that open borders and open markets is the best way to keep food plentiful and prices stable in Canada and around the world.
March 17th, 2022: Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the following statement following Minister Ng’s presentation of the federal government’s negotiating objectives toward a free trade agreement between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In accordance with the current tabling of treaties policy, the first round will take place within the next 30 days.
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February 11th, 2022: Ottawa, ON – With the prolonged disruptions at Canada-U.S. border crossings, Canada’s agriculture and food industry is calling for an immediate conclusion of the blockades and for all levels of government to work collaboratively towards action to reinstate integral transport and trade corridors.
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January 24th, 2022:
In this edition, some notable developments include:
-The Mandate Letter to International Trade Minister Ng
-Canada’s trade pivot to Asia
-The Ottawa Group efforts at the WTO
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