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Trade in agriculture and food products accounts for nine percent of global merchandising trade – ahead of mining, automotive, chemical, textiles, iron and steel. Yet trade in agriculture and food products continues to be highly distorted by tariffs, non-tariff barriers and subsidies both export and domestic. Tariffs are high on a world-wide basis and have serious effects on producers. The framework for agreement on future world trade has been established in the Doha round of negotiations. If followed, we should move to substantially reduced barriers to access, eliminate export subsidies, and significantly reduce other trade distorting support.
Pork producers in Alberta and our Canadian industry are highly dependent on open access to world markets – both for continued prosperity and for growth. Alberta Pork cannot emphasize enough that more open trade will benefit producers, processors and exporters. We will continue to push for and support such positions that enhance our ability to trade worldwide.
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