Ottawa, Ont. (Rural Roots Canada) – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) says it’s deeply concerned about the breakdown in Canada-U.S. trade negotiations, worried about the impact it will have on the more than 190,000 family farms across the country that it represents.
Pointing to the highly integrated North American agriculture and food systems and the importance of the agricultural trade relationship between Canada and the U.S., the growing uncertainty and the risks to supply chains built over decades of cross-border cooperation are a major concern.
“For generations, Canadian and American farmers and agri-businesses have worked as partners, supplying food, feed, fertilizer, equipment, and other essential inputs that support a strong North American food system,” said Keith Currie, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. “The breakdown in negotiations and escalation of new tariffs create uncertainty at a time when farmers are already facing significant challenges, including rising input costs, market volatility, and increasingly unpredictable weather.”
It says escalating tariffs will disrupt established supply chains, increase costs, reduce food affordability, and undermine the competitiveness of farmers and agriculture businesses on both sides of the border.
“The breakdown in negotiations creates uncertainty for farmers at a time when stability in our trading relationship is critically important. Farmers and consumers stand to lose when trade becomes more difficult, more expensive and more unpredictable,” added Currie. “Canadian farmers need stability so they can make the investments and business decisions necessary to remain competitive.”
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It notes producers in both countries depend on efficient cross-border trade to compete in global markets, and any disruption to that relationship risks harming businesses, workers, and consumers throughout North America.
It’s urging both sides to return to the negotiating table and work to find a solution that protects the competitiveness of the North American agricultural sector while minimizing the consequences for farmers, agricultural supply chains and food affordability.
In the meantime, the CFA says it will continue working with its members, the federal government, and industry partners to assess the implications and advocate for the interests of Canadian farmers.
