CUSMA uncertainty raises stakes for Canada’s greenhouse growers

Exports of fruits and vegetables are important to Ontario farmers and the sector is watching the upcoming Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review carefully. Richard Lee, executive director of Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers (OGVG), said the organization is taking a strategic, multi-level approach to prepare for the upcoming CUSMA negotiations. This includes co-ordinated government relations at the provincial and federal levels to reinforce the importance of stable trade frameworks for greenhouse vegetable producers. Lee said OGVG is also actively engaging with U.S. partners to ensure the industry’s priorities are well understood and aligned across the border. WHY IT MATTERS: Diversifying Ontario’s ag export markets is one thing, but its fresh perishables can only be exported so far . He noted that, with a population one-10th the size of the U.S., Canada cannot consume the volume grown in Ontario alone. “This partnership is integral, and uninterrupted access to ...