Winnipeg, MB – Canola farmers across Canada are delighted that Bill C‑79, the implementing legislation for the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), received Royal Assent earlier today. Canada will now be part of the first group of countries to bring the Agreement into force.
"The CPTPP supports growth and competitiveness in existing markets, but also presents opportunities to diversify canola exports into new and growing consumer markets in the Asia-Pacific region," says Rick White, CEO of Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). "We're especially pleased that with CPTPP, Canadian canola exports are now within reach of the same tariff rates that our Australian competitors already benefit from in major markets such as Japan."
Work conducted for Canola Council of Canada demonstrates that once implemented, the CPTPP could increase canola exports by $780 million per year through elimination of canola oil and meal tariffs and establishment of more effective rules to prevent non-tariff barriers. By increasing value-added canola exports, more domestic delivery opportunities are created for farmers.
"The CPTPP is a historic trade agreement for Canadian agriculture and for Canadian canola," says Jack Froese, President of CCGA. "We want to thank all members of the Senate of Canada for moving Bill C-79 along quickly, so that Canada can soon benefit as one of the first group of member-nations to bring the Agreement into force."
"We would also like to recognize Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, and Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, for their work and dedication in achieving this milestone," says Froese. "This agreement is a critical part of reaching Canada's export target for agri-food exports of $75 billion by 2025."
CCGA represents more than 43,000 canola farmers on national and international issues, policies and programs that impact farm profitability and is a member of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA).