The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association is very pleased that Canada is now one of eleven nations that have formally joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade negotiations.
“Joining the TPP represents a good opportunity to expand Canadian agricultural exports to the Pacific Rim,” says Kevin Bender, President of the Wheat Growers. “It ensures Canada keeps pace with the United States, Australia and others in terms of gaining access to Asian markets.”
The Wheat Growers see the TPP negotiations as an important vehicle for lowering tariffs and other trade barriers in Asia, resulting in higher farmgate prices for Canadian grain and livestock producers.
Canada and Mexico formally joined the TPP on Tuesday. The eleven countries that are now members of the TPP are: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam.
“The TPP does not yet include Japan or other large Asian markets, but getting in at this stage will position us well, if and when other countries do join,” says Levi Wood, Saskatchewan director.
Asian countries represent large and important customers for wheat, canola, barley and processed grain and meat products. Demand for grain and meat is expected to grow significantly in these countries due to rising population and prosperity.
“Improving access to these countries will allow us to capture a significant share of these growing markets,” says Bender. “It will also help ensure our agricultural industry is not overly dependent on U.S. or European markets.”
