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By Alice McFarlane

Say No To A Bad Deal

New campaign urges the federal government to defend Canada’s meat standards

Sep 12, 2023 | 4:11 PM

Cattle and meat groups are asking Members of Parliament to defend Canada’s scientific standard when it comes to allowing the United Kingdon into the Comprehensive Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The U.K. does not recognize the safety of Canada’s meat processing and food production systems so British authorities will not permit imports of Canadian beef or pork.

The Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Meat Council, and National Cattle Feeders’ Association launched “Say No to A Bad Deal” campaign to stand up for science-based trade standards.

In July, the federal government announced the UK was accepted into CPTPP. However, the meat groups want the move delayed until a deal can be negotiated between the two countries regarding treatment of Canadian meat products.

President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council Chris White said the world-class standards of Canada’s red meat sector have set benchmarks across the industry.

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“Not only will this deal hurt the pockets of Canadian meat processors, and farmers, it additionally puts consumers at risk by deprioritizing scientific-based controls and lowering the bar for international regulations,” White said.

The groups stated Canadian meat is disadvantaged under the interim agreement with the UK as technical, non-tariff trade barriers have resulted in Canada being unable to access the UK market, while the UK enjoys full access into the Canadian market.

The proposed agreement will see the UK exporting over $50 million of their meat products into the Canadian market, while Canada will be unable to export any meat products into the UK market.

Canadian Cattle Association President Nathan Phinney said beef farmers and ranchers produce the highest quality beef, with superior food safety standards.

“We will not lower our standards for any trade deal. The CPTPP sets a high standard for progressive trade and the deal proposed with the UK would set a dangerous precedent for future countries looking to join,” Phinney said.

The groups went on to say CPTPP has been an excellent agreement with the initial participants implementing a high standard for trade liberalization and science-based rules.

The Canadian beef and pork industry believes the UK’s bid to become a member should be delayed until they can meet the trade principles of the CPTPP.

The group’s went on to say if Canada’s beef and pork sectors are shut out of the UK, MP’s should ensure producers and processors are fairly compensated for the damages and losses that will result.

The Canadian beef and pork industry is asking producers, packers, and supporters of the sector to join the campaign “SayNoToABadDeal.ca” and voice their concerns with their MP.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW