Trade issues were front and centre when two Central Alberta beef producers visited Ottawa last week.
Doug Sawyer, who farms near Pine Lake and is vice-chair of the Alberta Beef Producers, and Greg Bowie, a Ponoka-area director with the organization, were part of a four-person ABP delegation that met last Tuesday with 11 rural Alberta MPs and the Liberal and NDP vice-chairs of the standing committees on international trade and agriculture.
“We try to go at least twice a year,” said Sawyer, explaining that the “fly-ins,” which are organized by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, have been instrumental in raising government awareness about the beef industry and its issues.
“They’re starting to really get to know us. Some of the MPs refer to us as ‘hats on the hill’ because we all like to wear our cowboy hats down there.”
Last week’s trip was a refreshing change from past visits, when the Alberta Beef Producers were fighting for the survival of its members. Now the focus is developing new markets.
“Trade is obviously a big deal with European CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement ) negotiations going on, and COOL (country of origin labelling) with the U.S., and Korea and Japan and that whole Trans-Pacific Partnership,” said Sawyer.
“There are lots of issues to talk about there.”
With respect to the Europe Union, the Alberta Beef Producers stressed the desirability of having Canada’s duty-free, quota-free access increased.
And in the case of COOL — which the World Trade Organization recently said violates WTO rules — the delegation urged MPs to seek a resolution with respect to cattle and hogs so the U.S. doesn’t appeal the ruling.
“If we can avert that appeal, it just moves the whole thing forward that much quicker,” explained Sawyer.
The importance of resuming free trade negotiations with Korea was also stressed, particularly since the United States recently ratified a free trade agreement with South Korea.
“America’s got a deal and those trade tariffs are going to start dropping for U.S. beef and pork,” said Sawyer.
“So we’ve got to get in there with a deal while we can remain competitive, or we’ll just lose market share.
“It’s crucial we get in there as quick as possible.”
The Alberta Beef Producers also consider Canada’s decision to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations important, especially since Japan has done the same. In fact, the ABP representatives urged the federal government to pursue a bilateral free trade agreement with Japan, which currently has a 38.5 per cent tariff on Canadian beef.
Another issue discussed was Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulations that result in higher production costs, and the fact CFIA resources are being stretched between domestic and export issues — sometimes to the detriment of the latter.
“Whenever there’s a food safety issue their focus immediately turns to that,” said Sawyer, who acknowledges the importance of food safety. “They put all their energy into it, and sometimes that leaves our export files in wait.”
With new trade agreements being developed, it’s important the CFIA keep pace with respect to the related technical requirements, he said.
“At times, we feel they’re not necessarily there, hand-in-hand.”
Sawyer said his group has suggested that a senior CFIA position be created specifically for export matters. It also wants MPs to monitor the situation to ensure export-related issues are dealt with in a timely fashion.
Also communicated to the MPs was the need for government funding for research and market development.
Sawyer said he’s been taking part in Ottawa fly-ins for several years, and has noticed a difference.
“We’re building relationships, and that always improves your chances of getting something done.”
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com