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By Alice McFarlane

Agri-food exporters discuss trade in Washington

Canadian agri-food exporters in Washington to strength USMCA renewal

Nov 17, 2025 | 11:07 AM

Canadian agri-food exporters are in Washington, D.C., this week, meeting with U.S. lawmakers to underscore how the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA) drives jobs, growth, and food security across North America.

The delegation is being organized by the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), a coalition of national and regional organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors.

The group is comprised of 12 national industry groups representing Canada’s grains, livestock, food-processing, and life sciences sectors, industries that account for more than 90 per cent of farmers and the agri-food industry that depends on trade.

CAFTA Chair Greg Northey said the visit highlights what the USMCA makes possible.

“It’s the backbone of our shared economic security, keeping cross-border supply chains efficient, competitive, and delivering affordable, high-quality food to consumers on both sides of the border,” Northey said.

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Canada is the largest customer for U.S. agri-food exports, purchasing more than $722 per person in American farm products every year.

The USMCA, which entered into force in 2020, faces its first joint review in 2026, a test of North America’s ability to keep borders open and supply chains competitive. Canadian agri-food exporters are urging all three governments to reaffirm the agreement’s full 16-year term to provide predictability for farmers, processors, and consumers alike.

Michael Harvey, Executive Director of CAFTA, said extending the USMCA will send the strongest possible signal to markets that North America remains open, reliable, and ready to compete.

Canada, the United States, and Mexico launched consultations ahead of the review. Despite political uncertainty, agri-food trade has remained stable, tariff-free, and mutually beneficial, with strong U.S. industry support for rules-based trade with Canada.

Harvey said CAFTA’s Washington mission also stresses the importance of managing trade, border, and security relationships as part of a single North American framework.

“Integrated supply chains ensure the economic competitiveness of both our countries,” he added. “This review is the moment to double down on what works: predictability, partnership, and a shared commitment that keeps our food systems resilient.”

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com