As European farmers weigh up the possible impacts of a planned free-trade deal with the USA, their Canadian counterparts are claimiing compensation for the losses they may experience if Canadian markets are opened to produce from Europe
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a two-way free-trade arrangement between Canada and Europe. It is one of a series of large-scale, bilateral trade agreements currently being negotiated -- such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the EU and the USA.
The CETA has not yet been ratified. But in an indication of the uneven, global knock-on effects the trade deals will have, the Canadian government has acknowledged that many Canadian farmers will lose out from the arrangement, and has set aside several billion dollars to compensate them. Dairy, poultry and egg farmers will receive payments over a period of 15 years after commencement of the agreement, which could take effect in 2017.
Under the terms of the deal, European dairies would receive tariff-free access for an additional 17,700 tonnes of cheese, representing about 2% of Canadian cheese consumption, more than doubling their current allotment, according to Dairy Farmers of Canada.
Read more about Sustain's policies on food and farming here.
Published Friday 6 May 2016
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
