With farmers in the United States and Canada producing more food than we can collectively eat, exports and trade agreements help feed the system. In fact, those trade agreements are necessary for the survival of farmers, particularly in Canada.
John DePutter of Ontario writes how bilateral free trade agreements the U.S. is negotiating with Central and South American countries will put the Canadian pulse industry at a disadvantage in those markets. When ratified, bilateral pacts between the U.S. and Peru, Columbia and Ecuador will allow the U.S. to take advantage of tariff reductions of 15% to 30% on pea or lentil exports to those countries, said Greg Cherewyk of Pulse Canada. Read More