Canada’s meat processing industry is strengthening its voice on trade as the Canadian Meat Council joins the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance at a key moment for exporters.
The announcement comes as Canada prepares for the 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, with industry groups warning that global trade conditions are becoming more complex.
The Canadian Meat Council has joined CAFTA as a “Friend,” a move both organizations say will help align priorities across the agri-food sector and push for improved market access.
Kyle Larkin, president and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council, says the timing is critical.
“Joining as a Friend of CAFTA is a strategic step forward at a pivotal moment for our industry,” Larkin said. “With the 2026 CUSMA review on the horizon and global market volatility increasing, it’s more important than ever that the agri-food sector speaks with a unified voice.”
Canada’s meat sector is one of the most trade-dependent parts of the economy, with products shipped to more than 90 international markets.
Industry leaders say stable, rules-based trade agreements are essential to maintaining that reach.
“Meat processing companies rely on stable, rules-based trade to access global markets,” Larkin said, adding that reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers will be a key focus moving forward.
The sector also carries significant weight domestically. Meat processing generates $43.8 billion in annual sales, accounting for roughly one-quarter of all food processing activity in Canada, and supports more than 300,000 jobs.
Greg Northey with CAFTA says adding the meat sector strengthens the alliance’s ability to advocate for exporters.
“Canada’s meat sector brings scale, market reach and deep trade expertise,” Northey said. “Its addition strengthens our ability to shape trade outcomes as Canada approaches the CUSMA review and other global negotiations.”
CAFTA represents a broad cross-section of producers, processors and exporters, working to advance trade priorities in Ottawa and internationally.
With the addition of the meat council, the organization says it is better positioned to represent the full agri-food value chain as negotiations and reviews ramp up over the coming months.
