There’s an urgent call to protect integrated supply chains and keep food prices stable across North America.
With economic uncertainty looming and food affordability top of mind for consumers, a high-level Canadian delegation is in Washington, D.C. this week with a clear message: cross-border agri-food trade must remain strong, stable, and rules-based.
The delegation, organized by the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), includes former Canadian Seed Trade Association Executive Director Dave Carey and is pressing U.S. lawmakers and policymakers to protect the deeply integrated Canada-U.S. supply chains that help keep grocery shelves stocked and prices in check.
“Canada and the U.S. are not just trading partners—we are production partners,” said Greg Northey, president of CAFTA and vice-president of corporate affairs at Pulse Canada. “Our integrated supply chains create jobs on both sides of the border and provide American consumers with stable, affordable access to food.”
While in Washington, CAFTA delegates will meet with members of Congress and senior administration officials responsible for agri-food and trade policy. Discussions will focus on the importance of preserving integrated supply chains, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening North American competitiveness.
“From farm to fork, Canada and the U.S. grow food together,” said Michael Harvey, executive director of CAFTA. “This integrated approach lowers costs, improves efficiency, and builds more resilient food systems for both countries.”
The urgency of the mission reflects growing concerns about rising protectionist pressures and potential threats to trade agreements that underpin North American food security. The Canadian delegation includes top representatives from the nation’s key agri-food organizations, from beef and pork to grains, canola, and consumer products. Among them are:
- Jennifer Babcock, Canadian Cattle Association
- Dave Carey, Canadian Canola Growers Association; Vice-President, CAFTA
- René Roy and Stephen Heckbert, Canadian Pork Council
- Sandra Marsden, Canadian Sugar Institute
- Emilie Bergeron, CropLife Canada
- Troy Sherman, Canola Council of Canada
- Leif Carlson, Cereals Canada
- Kyle Larkin, Grain Growers of Canada
- Cathy Jo Noble, National Cattle Feeders Association
- Dennis Prouse, Food, Health and Consumer Products of Canada
CAFTA is playing an increasingly important role in seed industry circles, as Seeds Canada recently came onboard with the organization.
