From a news release

Grain Farmers of Ontario congratulates the Government of Canada on signing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). The organization applauds Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of International Trade François-Philippe Champagne and Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay for the effort in advancing the signing of CPTPP.

The CPTPP trade deal with 11 countries is significant for Canadian agriculture. The Agreement ensures current markets will continue and represents an opportunity for growth as it will create enhanced access for Ontario grain farmers, agriculture and exporters.

“The Agreement represents essential markets for our farmer-members that will open with the signing of the deal,” said Markus Haerle, Chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario. “The CPTPP covers three important export markets for food-grade soybeans (Japan, Vietnam and Malaysia) and will improve access to pursue further growth.”

The next step is domestic ratification to ensure the Agreement‘s entry into force.

“Grain Farmers of Ontario appreciates the significant work by our leaders to ensure Canadian agriculture is part of the CPTPP,” said Haerle. “We would like to see the Agreement ratified without any non-tariff barriers inserted and to see a similar agreement with China get underway.”

Minister Champagne was in Santiago, Chile on March 8 to sign the pact. The 11 member countries of the CPTPP are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.