March 28, 2022

 

Clash over hormone-treated Canadian beef key point in Canada and UK free trade talks

 

 

Hormone-treated Canadian beef has emerged as a key point in Canada and UK free trade talks, which has begun between UK Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan and her Canadian counterpart, Mary Ng, The Canadian Press reported.

 

Trevelyan said her government will not compromise in permitting imports of Canadian hormone-treated beef into the UK, citing the country's strict food safety standards.

 

However, Trevelyan said both parties can make other gains in the agriculture sector, which includes sustainable food production.

 

Ng said they will push for access for Canadian producers, highlighting the quality of  Canadian beef and its producers as well as the importance of the beef sector.

 

Doug Sawyer, co-chair Canadian Cattlemen's Association foreign trade committee, said it is important that Canadian hormone-treated beef is part of the trade agreement with the UK.

 

Sawyer said they can supply hormone-free beef, but he adds that the use of efficiencies and additives that improve cattle growth are good for the environment.

 

Mark Agnew from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said a trade agreement between Canada and the UK is crucial to addressing digital trade and agriculture issues.

 

Agnew said exporters from Canada should see substantial outcomes in the agriculture and agri-food industry by lowering tariff barriers and ensuring regulations imposed are based on science.

 

An interim agreement between Canada and the UK has already been signed, which resulted in the removal of tariffs imposed on 98% of Canadian exports to Britain.

 

Lawrence Herman, an international trade lawyer and former diplomat, said the Canadian dairy lobby is urging to prevent any increased duty-free access for cheese from the UK.

 

Pierre Lampron, president of Dairy Farmers of Canada, said Ng's negotiating objectives in February showed there will be no more import access to Canada's supply managed dairy market.

 

Following Russia's invasion into Ukraine, the UK is following Canada's initiative to revoke Russia's most favoured nation trading status, which results in an extra 35% tariffs on key Russian imported goods.

 

-      The Canadian Press