SaskMilk raises concerns over new trade deal
News of a new trade deal with the United States and Mexico has stunned those in Saskatchewan’s dairy industry.
Peter Brown, general manager with SaskMilk says that despite reassurances from the federal government that dairy interests would be protected under the new trade deal, the terms of the new agreement say otherwise. While those in the province’s dairy industry are still awaiting more details on the new agreement, Brown said there are already concerns around market access, the industry’s ingredient strategy, and limits on exports of products such as baby formula and skim milk powder.
“It’s hitting us in a number of ways and it’s hitting us quite hard, particularly when it comes after we’ve given concessions through the CETA agreement and then again through CPTPP,” Brown told paNOW. “So, the industry will feel this impact greatly.”
Details of the new agreement are still trickling out, and Brown said it’s too early to say exactly what impact the new United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) will have overall. But at this point, Brown said it’s tough to see where Canada’s dairy producers benefit.