Initial Impressions of Trans-Pacific Partnership are Favourable

October 07, 2015

For Immediate Release October 6, 2015 Initial Impressions of Trans-Pacific Partnership are Favourable The Federal Government of Canada announced on October 5, 2015 that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement has been agreed to in principal. As the advocate for all 296 rural municipalities in Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has an interest in ensuring that agriculture producers will see a net benefit from the TPP. Initial reports appear favourable for the agriculture and livestock sectors as other industry associations’ responses have been positive. Of note is the Dairy Farmers of Canada response in which they appear satisfied with the outcome of the TPP and the $4.3 billion in programming announced by the Federal Government that will support supply-managed producers and processors throughout the implementation of the TPP and the Canada-European Union Agreement. The three pillars of the supply management system in Canada will remain protected. Reports of tariffs being lowered all around for Canada’s exports including canola and pork products are welcome news. These lowered tariffs will see an increase in exports for producers that will benefit producers and Canada as a whole. SARM will await the release of the full text to get a better understanding of the agreement before providing any detailed comments. For more information please contact:Jay MeyerExecutive Director(306) 761-3721