FINLEY SAYS E.U. AND U.S. AGRICULTURE SUBSIDIES MUST GO

OTTAWA – While attending high level meetings with senior government officials from around the world, Official Opposition Agriculture Critic, Diane Finley (MP, Haldimand-Norfolk), urged elected officials and trade specialists from the European Union (E.U.) and the U.S. to lower their subsidies to agriculture and increase market access for Canada's agricultural exports.

“When it comes to trade, the numbers don't lie: some 90 percent of Canada's agricultural sector depends on international trade – and when our access to other markets is threatened, our agricultural sector is on the line,” said Finley. “With European Union and American subsidies at their current levels, many of our producers face an unfair market situation that is simply not sustainable or acceptable. The fact of the matter is that no one can compete against the treasuries of the E.U. and the U.S. For example, our grain and oilseed producers continue to face crippling foreign subsidies and unfair tariffs with estimated losses of $1.3 billion annually.”

In her discussions with Members of Parliament from the European Union and U.S. trade and government officials – including Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Chair of the U.S. Congress Agriculture Committee – Finley emphasized the importance of achieving the fundamental goals of the current Doha round of World Trade Organization talks. These goals include: achieving substantial improvements in market access, the phasing out of export subsidies and substantial reductions in trade-distorting domestic support.

“It is vital that Canada's negotiators do not leave the table without achieving the fundamental goals of the negotiations,” continued Finley. “For the sake of our country's agricultural producers, we need to get a deal in this round, but we can't do that if we're not at the table. That is why the Conservative Party is committed to being a consistent and passionate voice for opening world markets for Canadian exports. Increased international trade is a key to Canada's future prosperity. Whether it's grain and oilseed farmers, ranchers, pork producers, or others, free markets and open international borders mean more money in the pockets of our producers.”

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