The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is against the federal government entering into a trade deal with South American countries that could jeopardize Canada’s domestic livestock industry.
The Canadian government is currently engaged in trade talks with Mercosur, a bloc of five South American countries including Brazil and Argentina.
Overall, between 2021 and 2025, beef imports from Mercosur countries increased by 238 per cent. And by mid-January, the annual beef import quota for 2025 had been filled by Mercosur countries, the CCA says.
Further Mercosur access to the Canadian beef market would undermine the high-quality beef producers raise.
“We are proud of our high standards for animal health, labour and food safety while providing vital environmental benefits like ecosystem protection, carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat, which results in the sustainably produced, premium beef that Canada is known for around the world,” CCA Chair Tyler Fulton said in an April 10 statement. “In contrast, Mercosur beef does not meet the same standards for animal health, labour or food safety and has long been associated with environmental degradation. Displacing locally and sustainably produced Canadian beef is a loss for consumers, the environment and rural communities.”