CAFTA Urges Predictable, Tariff-Free Trade at North American Agriculture Accord

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is renewing its call for predictable, tariff-free agricultural trade across North America following the 35th Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Calgary last week.

Held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 and hosted by the Government of Alberta, the meeting brought together provincial and state agriculture leaders, along with industry representatives from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Participants emphasized the costs of trade uncertainty for producers, processors, exporters, and consumers. For agricultural businesses, decisions about production, infrastructure, and investment are often made months or years before products reach domestic or international markets. Stable trading conditions are therefore essential for maintaining reliable supply chains and supporting rural economies.

“Farmers, processors and exporters across Canada, the United States and Mexico need certainty to plan and invest,” said Greg Northey, president of CAFTA, in a recent press release. “The CUSMA framework of predictable, tariff-free agricultural trade supports businesses and rural communities across North America.”

CAFTA also endorsed the conclusions outlined in the accord’s final communiqué, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication among provincial and state agriculture departments.

“Structured communication among provincial and state departments of agriculture contributes to the stability of our deep trading relationship,” said Michael Harvey, CAFTA’s executive director.