CPC discusses Canadian/European trade
The Chair of the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), Jean-Guy Vincent, and CPC’s Executive Director, Martin Rice, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food and the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade as witnesses to the committee’s study on Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Canadian producers recognize the importance of trade and welcome the Canadian government’s efforts to expand economic ties with the EU through a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. “The solid trade deal that has been negotiated with the EU could increase Canadian pork exports by up to $400 million a year. This is by far the best opportunity Canada will have for many years to acquire new access to this important pork market” stated CPC Chair Jean-Guy Vincent to the committee.
“Today there are four Canadian pork plants that have achieved eligibility to export to the European Union,” added Vincent. “With the promise of larger quotas and with the resolution of quota administration barriers, CETA will encourage additional plants to seek certification.”
The Canadian pork industry has had a European presence for over 15 years through the SIAL Paris trade show and Anuga Agri-Food Fair in Cologne Germany. Anuga is noted as the largest food fair in the world with approximately 6,660 exhibitors and 160,000 visitors from over one hundred countries. The deal has not even been signed and Canadian companies have already noticed an increase in the number of visitors from the EU stopping at the Canadian pork exhibition.
The Canadian pork industry has faced serious challenges in terms of its ability to compete in the world market in the recent past, including a strong Canadian dollar, historically high grain prices and the world economic slowdown. However, the industry has managed to overcome these challenges with a smaller but highly competitive hog sector. The world economy will continue to evolve and the government cannot afford to overlook or suspend any efforts that can improve the industry’s market access due to political rhetoric. The Canadian pork industry appreciates the government’s determination to follow through and complete the deal with the EU.
Canada is the world’s third largest pork exporter and represents 20% of world pork trade. In 2012 Canadian pork was exported to over 100 countries. The Canadian Pork Council serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. A federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, the organization’s purpose is to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian pork sector.
Source: Canadian Pork Council
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