Canada Urges Action Against EU Grain Trade Barriers

New white paper calls for science based rules to protect Canadian grain exports

The Canada Grains Council has released a new white paper urging stronger Canadian leadership to address emerging trade barriers linked to agricultural innovation in the European Union. These barriers, the council warns, could reduce the competitiveness of Canada’s grain exports and limit future trade growth. 

The paper highlights growing regulatory differences between Canada and the European Union, especially in crop protection rules. While Canada follows science- based and risk- based regulatory systems, the EU increasingly applies hazard- based approaches. This shift creates uncertainty for Canadian grain exporters and makes it harder for agriculture to support Canada’s goals of trade diversification and economic growth. 

According to the council, agriculture plays a vital role in strengthening Canada’s economy. As Canada looks to expand exports beyond traditional markets, stable and predictable trade rules are essential.  

“As Canada looks to diversify trade and strengthen economic resilience, agriculture must be part of the solution,” said Erin Gowriluk, President of the Canada Grains Council. “Science-based, risk-based regulation is essential to maintaining market access and ensuring Canadian farmers can continue to innovate.” 

The white paper raises concerns about the EU’s move toward pesticide reciprocity. Under this approach, the EU could restrict imports of grain grown using crop protection products approved by Canadian regulators but not accepted in Europe. The council warns that such measures could set a trade restrictive example and influence other global markets that import Canadian grain. 

To reduce these risks, the paper outlines two main recommendations for the Government of Canada. First, it calls on Canada to lead a coalition of like-minded countries that support science based and risk-based regulation. This group would work to promote fair trade practices and improve international alignment on maximum residue levels for crop protection products. 

Second, the council urges Canada to fully use existing trade agreements, including mechanisms under the Canada European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. These tools can help challenge trade barriers linked to innovation and oppose pesticide reciprocity measures. 

The Canada Grains Council believes Canada has a strong opportunity to lead global discussions on science-based trade. By working with trusted partners, Canada can protect export markets, encourage innovation, and strengthen agriculture’s contribution to the national economy. 

“Canada has an opportunity to lead globally on science-based trade,” said Gowriluk. “By working with trusted partners, we can protect export markets, support innovation and strengthen agriculture’s contribution to Canada’s economy.” 

Photo Credit: Canada Grains Council logo