CCGA Joins CAFTA Delegation on Capitol Hill, Lobbying for Trade

Earlier this month, Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) joined the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) delegation for two full days of lobbying on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to advocate for Canada-U.S. trade. CCGA was represented by Dave Carey, CCGA’s Vice-President, Government & Industry Relations.

The days included 40 meetings with Republican and Democratic government officials from all levels, which spanned across every House and Senate office building, including the Capitol Building.

CAFTA’s messages to U.S. policymakers focused on the value of our long-standing relationship:

1. Tariffs hurt both sides of the border. Recent trade uncertainty and the potential for tariffs and reciprocal tariffs hurt American and Canadian interests alike. The ongoing discussion of tariffs between our two countries is damaging to one of the greatest relationships between global neighbours.
2. Canada and the U.S. are stronger together. Our agri-food trading relationship makes both countries stronger. In fact, Canada buys more U.S. agricultural goods than Japan, Korea, and Taiwan combined. On average, Canadians purchase $722/person in U.S. ag goods per year, compared to $118 per American on Canadian agricultural products.

3. CUSMA should be respected and protected. Trade agreements are crucial because they make it easier for countries to do business with each other by setting out the rules of trade between parties. They support economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen relationships between nations. Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement (CUSMA or known as USMCA in the U.S.), the current trade agreement, which was negotiated under the prior Trump administration, is set for renegotiation in 2026.

Why is it important?

For Canola, the North American industry is highly integrated and benefits the entire canola value chain on both sides of the border. The U.S. is Canada’s leading market for canola, valued at $7.7 billion in 2024 and is the top export destination for canola oil and meal. In the U.S., the Canadian canola industry contributes USD 11.2 billion in economic activity and supports 22,000 U.S. jobs, totalling USD 1.2 billion in wages. Canada and the U.S. both benefit from free and open trade between our two countries.

“It was clear from every meeting and every discussion with U.S. officials that they value the Canada-U.S. trading relationship, and that CUSMA has been a force for good for farmers, companies, and agri-businesses on both sides of our shared border,” says Dave Carey, CCGA’s Vice-President, Government & Industry Relations.

What we heard on Capitol Hill.

There was general agreement that the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), also known as USMCA, is necessary, and the sooner all parties get back to the negotiating table, the better for everyone. Business and trading uncertainty is being felt in Washington and by the elected officials and the offices we met with.

Following two full days of lobbying, CAFTA hosted a reception in Longworth HOB (one of the office buildings for Members of Congress) to allow discussions to continue in a more casual environment and to connect with U.S. industry leaders based in the D.C. CAFTA also joined the National Pork Producers Council for their reception at the Canadian Embassy on Wednesday.

While there were over 40 meetings that the Canadian delegation held, some notable meetings included:

• Congresswoman Carol Miller, a Republican from West Virginia
• Congresswoman Andrea Salinas, a Democrat from Oregon
• Office of Senator John Boozman, Republican from Arizona and Chair of the House Agriculture Committee
• Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar, Democrat from Minnesota and Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee
• Riley Pagett, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Chief of Staff for Trade
• Office of Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat from Illinois
• Office of Representative Adrian Smith, Republican from Nebraska

Learn more about CCGA's trade position.