Roundtable on U.S. and Canadian Agricultural Policy and Trade Issues
Canadian and U.S. cattle producers may reside on separate sides of an international board and conduct business under different government regulations, but they encounter many similar issues, as was the topic of discussion during a recent round table at the Canadian Western Agribition. On behalf of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, I participated in a discussion on U.S. and Canadian Agricultural Policy and Trade Issues in Regina, Saskatchewan on November 25, 2014.
Panel members included representatives of Canadian Agriculture organizations from Alberta and Saskatchewan, along with U.S. representatives from the states of Montana, Michigan, Nebraska and Colorado. During the course of discussion, several topics related to the cattle industry in both countries were addressed, and conversations revealed opportunity for collaboration in many areas.
There are several mutual concerns for U.S. and Canadian cattle producers, as we share several market influences, consumers and environmental challenges. Governmental agencies outside of agriculture for both countries seem to present similar challenges for livestock producers. Coming out of the trip, my impression was of great encouragement for the conversations at hand and the opportunities that lay ahead for future correspondence.
With positive cattle and beef markets for producers in both countries, recent years have been positive for the industries. Canadian and U.S. cattle herds share many genetics and marketing influences. Maintaining free trade agreements between the two governments is crucial for this continued success of the North American beef industry. Addressing labor shortages and increased government regulations continue to be concerns for both industries.
Opportunity exists for collaboration in areas of research between Canadian and U.S. institutions. The need to prevent duplicative research is needed for great progress. Partnerships and sharing of information would improve knowledge of current study subjects and allow for better collaboration when geographical similarities will allow.
Several subjects were discussed during the panel session. Conversations were dominated by the following topics.
Public Communication Efforts
An emphasis on consumer awareness of agricultural and food practices, and providing good science information is a concern of the industry. Industry partnerships continue to be critical in making these connections for sustainability and marketing, however retailers have expressed it is not their role to educate their customers about cattle production. McDonalds Canada has been working on sustainability efforts, with hopes to have a system in place by 2017. The retailer has yet to define sustainability, possibly waiting on actions out the Global Sustainable Beef Roundtable. Several panelists emphasized the importance of producer involvement in consumer conversations, realizing the need to build trust before using facts in dialogues, “leading with knowledge, not facts.”
Environmental and Wildlife Regulations
Government regulations in areas of environmental sustainability and wildlife habitats concerns both Canadian and U.S. cattle producers. In western provinces and states, sage grouse habitat and potential listing as an endangered species is a threat to large acreage of grazing lands, more so in the U.S. CAFO regulations for both countries continue to see pressure. Cattle feeding in western Canadian provinces continues to grow with greater access to feed grains. The need to be proactive in these areas was recognized.
Generational Transfer and Estate Planning
Estate planning and transitioning management to future generations remains a topic of concern for Canadian and U.S. cattle operations. Though these situations vary greatly between regions and operations, the consensus recognizes the need for having this conversation and planning before it is too late. Older generations tend to retain the majority of operational management for many years, not allowing younger generations to take part until later in life. This may often result in fewer members of younger generations returning to production agriculture.
U.S. Country of Origin Labeling Regulations
Country of Origin Labeling regulations for meat products imposed by the U.S. continue to be a dominant concern for Canadian cattle producers. The Canadian Agriculture Ministry and Industry groups maintain opposition to mandatory labeling laws and believe the rules must be repealed. This also raises concerns for consumer perceptions as more customers express desires to learn more about where their food comes from. There are mixed opinions among U.S. cattle producers on COOL regulations and industry groups are working to have the laws changed.
Free trade and cooperation among Canadian and U.S. cattle and beef industries remains crucial for the success of both industries. Much opportunity exists for collaboration and partnerships for cattle producers that will lead to success on both sides of the border.
Montana Stockgrowers Association looks forward to future occasions to discuss the issues at hand and the exploration of opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with our Canadian counterparts.