Canadian agricultural organizations have delivered a formal and unified message to Ottawa calling for the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) to remain intact. In a December 8 letter signed by 98 groups spanning cattle, pork, dairy, poultry, aquaculture, food processing and equipment-manufacturing sectors, the industry stressed that the deal’s existing provisions must be preserved and the agreement renewed for its full 16-year term.

These organizations argued that CUSMA has been fundamental in establishing a stable and integrated North American agricultural market. They pointed to the surge in agri-food trade under CUSMA, which industry sources value at roughly 400 billion as of 2023, as evidence of the deal’s importance for trade, rural economies and food security.

Supporters pointed to the parts of CUSMA that cover food safety rules, biotech standards, product testing requirements and the process used to settle trade disputes. They said these sections help keep regulations clear, based on science and consistent across all three countries, giving farmers and processors the confidence to invest and sell their products across the border.

Notably, however, several prominent crop-sector groups — representing grains, oilseeds and pulses — opted not to sign the letter. Their reluctance stemmed from concerns that a blanket call for no changes could lock in protections favoring supply-managed sectors (like dairy and poultry), limiting flexibility for future trade reforms and making it more difficult to negotiate changes that would enhance export competitiveness.

As the 2026 review of CUSMA gets closer, the division shows a clear disagreement within the farm sector. Some groups want the deal left alone to keep trade steady, while others say Canada needs room to adjust the rules as markets and export conditions change.