The US’ National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) have said that high-level discussions should take place on US dairy trade with Canada at a North American leaders summit this week.
The leaders of the US, Canada and Mexico kicked off the North American Leaders’ Summit in Ottawa yesterday.
The two US dairy groups accused Canada of “persistent undermining of US dairy export access, a pattern that has cost American dairy farmers and processors hundreds of millions of dollars” and hurting the US-Canada trading relationship.
“America’s dairy farmers rely on exports to provide a home for the equivalent of one day’s worth of milk production each week,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF.
“When other countries disingenuously use policies and regulations to block those sales – especially in light of previously negotiated free trade agreements – the negative impact is felt on the farm. This is particularly damaging in tough years like this when milk supplies exceed demand.
“We hope President Obama will continue to hold our trading partners accountable, particularly those with whom we’re preparing to deepen our trade ties, such as Trans-Pacific Partnership members.”
Tom Suber, President of USDEC, echoed that point: “US companies have made investments here at home, adding more jobs and expanding manufacturing facilities, to meet the demands of global buyers – including those in Canada. Our industry recognises that we need to play by the rules – it’s only right that the US insist that others do so, as well.”
NMPF and USDEC both support the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but stress the importance of Canada’s compliance with existing obligations to achieve its full implementation.
Source: The Dairy Site
