Egg farmers cautiously optimistic about the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal

OTTAWA, October 5, 2015 – On behalf of the Canadian egg industry, Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) appreciates the work of the Government for its part in reaching a 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership deal. The final agreement has granted additional access to the Canadian egg market in the order of 16.7 million dozen eggs, increasing to 18.8 million (or approximately 2.3% of production). Canada’s participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership brings many benefits to the sector and the Canadian economy. We recognize the opportunity the Trans-Pacific Partnership brings to Canada and the overall benefits the agreement brings to the economy as a whole.

While the increase in additional required imports is not without impact—Canadians will be purchasing more imported products that they normally count on as being fresh and local—we are confident that our industry’s resiliency and growth will lessen the impact on the farmers we represent.

“We believe that supply management for eggs, poultry and dairy is both beneficial and essential to Canada, especially in the context of our solid domestic market-focused policy that allows us to produce eggs for Canadians that are among the best in the world ,” said Peter Clarke, Chairman of Egg Farmers of Canada. “Today’s agreement demonstrates that the Canadian egg industry will continue as an integral part of Canada’s agricultural future and will continue to deliver exceptional benefits to consumers in Canada while at the same time allowing other sectors to benefit from the export market.”

Additional time and analysis is required to fully understand the potential future impact of such a result on not just our farmers, but the entire value chain on which Canadian consumers depend. EFC, along with other supply-managed commodities, will work with government on the details of the agreement to ensure that the provisions agreed to do not jeopardize our Government’s commitment to maintain the integrity of the import control pillar of our system and to ensure our farmers can continue to deliver to our consumers the Canadian products they expect, need and enjoy.

The egg industry appreciates the support of the Government and the adept ability of negotiators, civil servants and elected officials to maintain supply management and to expand trade opportunities for agriculture industries with greater export potential. Canada has successfully concluded many free trade agreements while maintaining the system of supply management and egg farmers are satisfied it was once again accomplished in the final TPP agreement.

About Egg Farmers of Canada

Now in its fifth decade as one of Canada’s leading agriculture organizations, Egg Farmers of Canada ensures domestic egg production meets growing demand for fresh, local, high-quality eggs. The organization also promotes egg consumption and good nutrition, manages national programs, and represents the interests of regulated egg farmers from coast to coast