Farmers in Canada and around the world are increasingly faced with the need to produce more food from fewer resources and under less predictable growing conditions. With that in mind, Canada must continue to stand firmly in defence of a science and rules-based trading system for agricultural products.

CropLife Canada and our members share the view that, as others, such as CAFTA, have previously expressed to the committee, sustainability policies and trade-related climate measures must not impose unnecessary regulatory burdens or become non-tariff barriers to trade.

As an industry, we're concerned about the rise of protectionism that we're seeing around the world. In this regard, the mirror clause or reciprocity clause that Europe is using to impose a new unjustified barrier to agricultural trade is of particular concern.

For example, Europe recently adopted new measures on pesticide residues under the guise of creating a level playing field for its producers. This new measure, which is not science‑based, will create unjustified barriers to imports and will dictate to producers around the world the practices and tools they can use if they wish to export to Europe.

Not only does this type of measure have an impact on producers' ability to respond to the agronomic challenges they face, but it also prevents them from using safe, effective and innovative tools to be more productive and competitive.

We believe that Canada must play a leading role at the international level to defend the multilateral rules-based trading system and the interests of Canadian producers.

As an export‑oriented sector, we need our government to be at the forefront of international efforts to denounce the use of unilateral measures inspired by the mirror clause and to ensure that sustainable development policies facilitate trade and are consistent with World Trade Organization or WTO rules.

As this committee is aware, the Canadian agriculture industry produces some of the most sustainable, high-quality crops and food in the world. As others have previously testified, there is clearly a need for government and industry to develop solutions that will continue to improve agriculture sustainability while promoting trade and supporting food affordability.

Canadian growers rely on access to the latest innovative tools, including pesticides and crops developed through modern biotechnology, to meet the food and feed needs of Canadians and the world and to improve agricultural sustainability. They also rely on a strong multilateral rules-based trading system that supports their competitiveness and allows for achieving greater sustainability outcomes.

Thank you once again for inviting CropLife Canada to participate. We look forward to your questions.