Turkey Farmers of Canada Statement on Final Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 6 2015 /CNW/ - Canadian turkey farmers and their families have been following the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations for the last several years and recognize the importance of this agreement to the Canadian economy. Representatives from Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) were in Atlanta as Ministers negotiated the final details of the agreement this week, and were concerned to learn of substantial new access provided to the Canadian turkey market under the final agreement announced on October 5^th. 

Over the coming days and weeks, TFC will conduct a detailed evaluation of the challenges this agreement will bring to our farmers and the sector generally, as turkey production is displaced from Canadian farms. We will also undertake an evaluation of the mitigating steps offered to the Canadian turkey sector as a result of the concessions made at the Atlanta Ministerial meeting.

This analysis will provide the foundation for further work with the Federal Government in order to determine the needed mitigation measures moving forward based on elements of the agreement, as negotiated. It is imperative that the Government follows through on its commitment to work with TFC in this regard.

Speaking from Atlanta following the release of a closing statement from TPP Ministers', TFC Chair, Mark Davies, commented on the outcome of the negotiations.

"Although the additional access granted to the Canadian turkey market will certainly be challenging, the finalization of the TPP agreement removes the cloud of uncertainty farmers have been living with over the last several years. We trust this will provide a stable, predictable trading environment moving forward, as the Government predicts."

Turkey Farmers of Canada appreciates the support over the course of the negotiations and in Atlanta, from industry participants, the Federal Government, Provincial governments, and officials.

We remain committed to working with the Government in the days and weeks ahead to achieve positive results for Canadian turkey farmers, their families, and Canada's rural communities under a strong supply management marketing system.

SOURCE Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC)

M. Davies, Chair, P. Boyd, Executive Director, [phone], [email protected]