Richard Phillips (courtesy Grain Growers of Canada)

 

 

Farm groups are pushing the federal opposition to pass Bill C-46, an Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Panama.

"It's a fairly well rounded trade deal and we're hopeful that the opposition parties will have a good look at it and help move it through the House," says Richard Phillips, executive director of the Grain Growers of Canada.

"Panama is our first real toehold into the Central American market. There are a growing number of people in the middle class, and as the middle class grows, they want to improve their diet," he says, noting Canadian farmers meet that demand for better quality grains, beef and pork.

He says the agreement would also open the door to further deals with the CA4 or "Central America 4" countries; El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

~ Tuesday, October 12, 2010 ~