Dairy Farmers of Canada says its "angered and disappointed" by news of a possible trade agreement between Canada and the European Union.
There are reports the Canadian government has conceded increased market access for European cheese, allowing around 30 thousand tonnes per year or roughly double the amount currently allowed.
DFC says the reported deal would put small Canadian cheesemakers out of business, displacing local products with subsidized cheeses from Europe.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance is encouraging the federal and provincial governments to finalize the agreement. CAFTA says it could increase Canadian agri-food exports to the EU by $1.3 billion per year, with new beef and pork access accounting for as much as $1 billion annually.
The federal government, in the throne speech on Wednesday, said the agreement will be completed soon.
Source: PortageOnline