The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has expressed its disappointment with the findings of a USMCA dispute settlement panel concerning Canada's dairy tariff-rate quota (TRQ) allocation measures. Zippy Duvall, President of AFBF, emphasized the Federation's belief that Canada's current TRQ policies are unfair to American dairy farmers and do not align with the spirit of the USMCA agreements.
AFBF's concerns center around the perceived disadvantage that U.S. dairy farmers face due to these policies. Duvall stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy trade relationship with Canada, which has historically been beneficial for American farmers and ranchers. However, this relationship hinges on fair trade practices, which the AFBF argues are currently lacking in Canada's dairy sector.
The report has prompted the AFBF to call on USTR Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack to actively work towards ensuring a level playing field in the dairy market. This includes advocating for policies that allow American dairy farmers to compete fairly and for Canadian consumers to have access to a diverse range of dairy products.
The Federation's stance sheds light on the complexities of international trade agreements and the need for equitable practices in the dairy industry. The AFBF remains committed to supporting American dairy farmers and advocating for fair trade policies under the USMCA framework. The organization hopes for a constructive resolution that benefits both American dairy farmers and Canadian consumers, strengthening the trade relationship between the two countries.
Source : wisconsinagconnection