The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is pleased with the progress made during the seventh round of negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which concluded today in Mexico City.

The closing of the Good Regulatory Practices Chapter, the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Chapter and significant advances on biotechnology demonstrate that negotiators in all three NAFTA countries are working hard to achieve a successful outcome, the organization said.

“The advancements made in key chapters for the fresh produce industry demonstrate that significant progress is being made during the NAFTA negotiations," said CPMA president Ron Lemaire.

“While we are pleased with many of the outcomes of Round 7, we remain concerned with the seasonality provision and sunset clause being proposed.

"Both of these proposals will significantly impact the fresh produce industry and create an uncertain trading environment that will harm businesses and consumers in all three countries.”

CPMA applauds Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Global Affairs Canada for their efforts in keeping stakeholders apprised of developments relating to NAFTA.

The next round of talks is set to take place in Washington D.C.

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