QUESTION PERIOD — Agriculture and Agri-Food
Country-of-Origin Labelling
March 19, 2024
My question is for the Government Representative.
The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding “Product of USA” labels on meat, poultry and eggs raises significant concerns for Canada’s producers and the integrity of our supply chains, with the final rule stipulating that “Product of USA” labels will only be allowed for products derived from animals born, raised, slaughtered and processed in the United States.
What measures is the Canadian government planning to take to address potential disruptions in supply chains and safeguard the interests of Canadian producers while ensuring continued cooperation and trade between Canada and the U.S. in the agricultural sector? Thank you.
Thank you for this important question, senator.
The government remains very concerned about any measures that may cause disruptions to what is a very highly integrated North American meat and livestock supply chain. I have been informed that the government is disappointed that the final rule does not appear to take into account the concerns that were repeatedly raised by the government in this regard. I understand the government is reviewing the final rule very carefully and will closely monitor its impact and implementation to ensure that Canada’s meat sector can continue to enjoy predictable and unhindered access to the United States’ market.
Thank you, Senator Gold.
Given the disappointment expressed by Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Minister of International Trade regarding the apparent oversight of concerns raised by Canada, could you provide insight into how the Canadian government intends to engage with its U.S. counterparts to ensure that concerns raised around the bilateral trading relationship are adequately addressed? Thank you.
Thank you for your question, senator.
I have been advised that the Canadian delegation intends to raise this with its counterparts during the agricultural ministers’ trilateral meeting with representatives from the United States and Mexico, which is to be held in Colorado later this month.
