The National Farmers Union has launched a national campaign against the new Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, with the European Union.

The fifth round of negotiations between the two sides is set to take place this week.

"The government is fast-tracking this and they're keeping it relatively secret from the population," says NFU president Terry Boehm. "This fifth round of negotiations could be the final round. They're hoping to ratify and have this agreement in place by mid-2011."

One of the NFU's greatest concerns about the agreement, according to a statement issued last week, is that CETA would "virtually eliminate the age-old practice of farmer's saving, reusing, exchanging, and selling seed from their crops."

"They are also putting in 'precautionary seizure provisions' that under simple accusation of infringement they could undertake the seizure of a farmers' land, equipment, home, crops and freeze his bank accounts, even before he had his day in court," says Boehm.

He adds the agreement could also lead to opening up of local procurement. "You could not treat your local business any different than any other business, European or otherwise, that would be able to supply the good or service in your jurisdiction," he says.

"Our dairy, poultry and egg supply management will also be at risk," he says.

The NFU is urging farmers to sign petitions and contact their MPs regarding the trade negotiations.

~ Monday, October 18, 2010 ~