Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Conservative MP Alex Ruff is highlighting trade concerns shared by some local beef farmers.
On Saturday, May 16th, Ruff met with Grey and Bruce County beef farmers to discuss the potential impact the Mercosur trade agreement with a handful of South American Countries could have on Canadian producers and rural communities.
The South American Common Market (Mercosur) is a trading bloc and customs union made up of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Canada has been working on trade negotiations with Mercosur since 2018, and aims to sign a deal this year.
Farmer Don Hargrave spoke at the local event, saying, for them, it’s not about opposing trade, explaining, “Ontario beef farmers support fair and balanced trade. But trade agreements cannot be at the expense of the Canadian food production and long-term stability of our farms. Canada already imports a significant amount of beef every year. In fact imports now represent 30 per cent of Canadian beef consumption and in Ontario the number is even higher, typically, more than 40 per cent.
Hargrave noted, “If we continue weakening domestic production and capacity, we risk becoming increasingly dependent on imports while making it harder for the next generation of farmers to stay in business.”
Ruff has posted a video discussion with participating farmers at the meeting with the aim of highlighting their concerns and ensuring local voices are heard as discussions surrounding the agreement continue.
He asked in the House of Commons recently, “Canadian beef producers are waiting to get more access to markets across the world. Shouldn’t the Liberal government be prioritizing export market access abroad instead of displacing the Canadian cattle industry at home?”
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Yasir Naqvi responded, “That’s precisely what we’re doing, we’re living in uncertain times and our focus is to create more opportunities for Canadian businesses including our hardworking farmers to be able to export around the world. In fact if you talk to farmers, they’re very excited about the opportunities we’re creating from them in India, in China, in Philippines and other ASEAN countries– including places like Mercosur.” He added, “We are working closely with our farmers, we are working closely with our industries. We’re listening to their views and our negotiations will reflect the needs of Canadians so that we can create good paying jobs for all Canadians.”
The video from Saturday’s meeting with farmers can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/oq7PQ82K8eo?si=sNZGhXbOJmSRSTE5