Canadian seafood farmers join agrifood body CAFTA to boost trade advocacy

Canada’s national aquaculture body has joined the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, adding seafood farming to the alliance’s agri-food trade advocacy work.

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) said it has welcomed the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) as a "Friend of CAFTA".

CAIA represents Canada’s finfish, shellfish and aquatic plant farmers, along with feed companies and suppliers. Its addition brings aquaculture into CAFTA’s network of export-focused food and agriculture organizations. "Friends of CAFTA" are associated organizations that support the alliance’s mission and shared trade priorities.

“The aquaculture sector is the future for growing more healthy and sustainable Canadian-raised seafood,” said CAIA President and CEO Timothy Kennedy. “At a time when trade policy and market access are increasingly important to Canada’s economic future, joining CAFTA ensures aquaculture has a seat at the table alongside the country’s leading export sectors.”

According to CAIA, Canadian aquaculture exports are worth more than CAD $1 billion annually. The sector also generates more than $6 billion in economic activity, contributes CAD $2.03 billion to GDP and supports around 18,000 jobs in coastal and rural communities.

CAFTA said CAIA’s participation will help ensure seafood farmers’ priorities are included in wider agri-food trade advocacy.

“Canada’s aquaculture sector is a proven export success story, and CAIA’s voice adds important depth to our alliance,” said CAFTA President Greg Northey. “Their addition ensures CAFTA’s advocacy on market access and rules-based trade reflects the full scope of Canada’s agri-food export economy, making us stronger advocates for all our members.”

The two organizations said they will work together on trade priorities aiming to strengthen Canada’s agri-food competitiveness, support rural and coastal economies and create new opportunities for Canadian food producers in global markets.