Canada's agriculture sector divided on Mercosur free trade deal

Summary

• Canadian agriculture sector remains divided on the potential benefits of a free trade deal with Mercosur to be finalized by year's end.
• The Canadian Cattle Youth Council warns the deal could jeopardize domestic beef production & pose food safety risks.
• Fertilizer Canada CEO Michael Bourque advocates for the agreement to strengthen Canada's global position in crop nutrients, noting potash is its largest export to Brazil.
• Canadian Federation of Agriculture president Keith Currie urges the deal to account for differences in production scales, costs, regulations & market conditions.
• Currie emphasizes that benefits for Canadian agriculture may be uneven & any agreement must protect local farmers.
• The report by The Canadian Press was published on Nov. 12, 2026, by Catherine Morrison.