Canadian beef is not a bargaining chip

On behalf of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association and the Canadian Cattle Association, we write to express our strong opposition to allowing beef access in the Mercosur trade deal. Across Canada, 60,000 beef producers contribute 347,352 jobs to the economy and generate $41 billion in annual economic value. Canadian beef farm and ranch families cannot afford to lose market share to low-quality imports.

Displacing locally and sustainably produced Canadian beef with low-cost alternatives from Mercosur countries is a loss for Canadian consumers, our environment, rural communities, and farm families. Canadian beef cannot be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations. A beef deal with Mercosur risks undermining farmers and ranchers at a time when we are rebuilding the Canadian cattle herd. The herd cycle is slow—it takes 18 to 24 months to raise cattle. The beef on shelves today reflects decisions made at least two years prior, which is why supply increases take time to materialize.

Now that positive signs show our beef herd growing and can help fulfill demand, we need government trade policies to support Canadian raised, sustainably produced beef, not displace it with imports from countries with lower standards. Canadian beef farmers and ranchers maintain high standards for animal health, labour, and food safety. This produces responsibly raised beef while delivering vital environmental benefits including ecosystem protection, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat. Mercosur beef does not meet these same standards.

Wages on beef farms are significantly lower in Mercosur countries compared with Canada. On average, wages are up to 80% lower, with Brazil and Paraguay showing the largest gaps. Ongoing concerns exist regarding Foot and Mouth Disease history, BSE reporting transparency, and sanitary compliance in parts of the Mercosur region. Protecting animal health is foundational to Canada's beef industry and must remain a priority in trade policy.

Canadian beef producers lead globally in environmental sustainability. Beef raised in Canada generates 52% fewer emissions than the global average thanks to efficient production practices. Increasing Canadian beef production supports consumption of some of the world's most sustainable beef while promoting biodiversity through habitat conservation. Policy decisions allowing increased beef imports through Mercosur would take cattle off the land and reduce production, running counter to Canada's environmental goals.

Food inflation has been hard on Canadian wallets, and we feel it too. Currently, signs show the beef herd increasing in Canada, which may help ease price pressures. However, allowing low-cost, low-quality beef produced in countries with lower standards for animal health, labour, and environment is not the solution. The government has emphasized trade diversification, but we cannot diversify at all cost when the only winner is the other country. In the case of Mercosur, there is no win. The outcome will negatively impact Canadian farmers and ranchers and instead incentivize increased beef production in other countries where standards are lower. This sends the wrong signal to Canadian farm families and the next generation of farmers who want to grow beef for Canadians.

The numbers tell this story clearly. In the last two years, our beef import quota was filled in record time. By mid-January, the annual quota was filled by Mercosur countries. Trade data is clear: Mercosur beef imports rose from 12,000 tonnes in 2021 to over 40,000 tonnes in 2025, with 70% paying the existing tariff. This shows current tariffs do not deter imports in today's market context. Beef imports in 2025 were the highest since 1993. Any additional beef access for Mercosur countries will have a massive impact on Canadian beef farmers.

We call on all Members of Parliament to stand up for Canadian farm families and help us grow our herd so we can provide more Canadian beef for consumers across the country. Your constituents take pride in buying Canadian beef. Please stand up for Canadian ranchers and beef farmers and say no to Mercosur beef access. Thank you for your consideration and your support for Canadian farm families.