Livestock industry concerns with Spring Economic Update

May 1, 2026 | 10:42 AM

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is concerned with the federal government’s approach to food security and trade diversification in the Spring Economic update.

Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are disappointed the Feds are choosing to focus on short-term outcomes instead of long-term solutions that address food security and make Canada stronger by supporting the growth and expansion of the Canadian beef industry.

While there was recognition of the challenges the agriculture industry faces, including higher input costs, weather and market disruptions, CCA said in a statement the government’s emphasis to conclude negotiations with Mercosur as soon as possible failed to recognize the risks this agreement poses to food security.

“The Prime Minister declared his government will work on lessening dependence on certain trading partners, and yet the government is willing to increase our dependence on beef imports from Mercosur countries,” the statement read.

CCA President Tyler Fulton said this approach is contradictory and dangerous.

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“Beef raised in Canada generates 50 per cent fewer emissions and helps protect grasslands—one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems,” Fulton said. “Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are proud of our high standards for animal welfare and labour while providing vital environmental benefits like ecosystem protection, carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat. This results in the sustainably produced, premium beef that Canada is known for around the world.”

Canadian beef imports have been at the highest levels since 1993 and now represent 30 per cent of domestic consumption. It is higher compared to similar jurisdictions like the United States at 19 per cent, the European Union at 7 per cent, and Mercosur at 1 per cent.

CCA said it’s expected there will be a bigger flood of beef imports into Canada from Brazil and Australia with these countries now being shut out of China.

“It is extremely disappointing for Canadian beef producers to be dismissed in the pursuit of an accelerated free trade deal that favours lower quality imported beef from a country with lower standards in labour, environment, animal health and food safety,” Fulton added.

The CCA statement went on to say the Canadian Government cannot support food security if at the same time they are willing to undermine Canadian farmers and ranchers in trade negotiations. CCA believes in trade diversification; however, cannot diversify for the sake of diversifying.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Pattison Media

Livestock industry concerns with Spring Economic Update

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