Canada’s agriculture sector divided on Mercosur free trade deal

OTTAWA — Industries in Canada’s agriculture sector are divided on whether a free trade deal with the Mercosur group will benefit the country as Canada and the South American trading bloc look to strike a deal by year’s end.

Representatives from the Canadian Cattle Youth Council gathered on Parliament Hill last month to warn that a free trade deal with Mercosur could jeopardize beef production in Canada and pose risks to food safety.

But Michael Bourque, president and CEO of Fertilizer Canada, said in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this year that a trade agreement with Mercosur is a chance for Canada to strengthen its position as a global supplier of crop nutrients.

He said potash is Canada’s largest export to Brazil and Canada must ensure its potash sector remains competitive.