Canadian Cattle Association Urges Ottawa to Protect Canadian Beef in Mercosur Negotiations

Toronto, ON—As Canadian and Mercosur negotiators meet in Toronto this week for a critical round of trade talks, the Canadian Cattle Association is on the ground to work with the Canadian negotiating team and ensure we get the best outcome for Canadian beef producers.

The CCA is calling on the federal government to reject any expansion of beef market access in a potential trade agreement with Mercosur countries, as it would put significant pressure on Canadian farmers and ranchers, weaken long-term food security, and risk creating new trade tensions ahead of the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

“Canadian beef producers support fair, science-based trade, and at the same time, Canadian beef cannot become a bargaining chip,” said Tyler Fulton, President of the Canadian Cattle Association. “Canada already imports more beef, proportionally, than almost any major beef-producing country in the world. Expanding access for Mercosur beef would undermine Canadian producers at a critical time for our industry.”

“Canadian farmers and ranchers operate under some of the highest standards in the world for animal care, food safety, sustainability, and labour,” continued Fulton. “Our producers should not be economically penalized for maintaining high standards while competing against jurisdictions with significantly lower production costs driven by weaker standards.”

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