U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said that he urged Knight-Craft, confirmed Thursday, to push the Canadian government to reverse protectionist and restrictive trade policies that have harmed upstate dairy producers.
The Canadian and provincial governments have not backed away from dairy products sourcing policies that have favored Canadian-produced ultra-filtered milk and other dairy commodities over American imports.
Among those who have lost a major consumer base from Canadian cheese makers is O-AT-KA Milk Products of Batavia, whose business receives milk from scores area dairy farms.
In Canadian publications, Knight-Craft’s appointment was received with optimism. A prominent Republican fundraiser, she told a confirmation hearing her wishes were for beneficial trade for both nations, while “promoting free and fair trade” to provide American businesses a level playing field.
With dairy products, that’s not the case, Schumer said.
“Canada’s restrictive dairy trade and pricing policies are blatantly violating our trade agreements signed by the U.S. and Canada, and they are hurting New York’s dairy producers who simply want to deal fairly with our Canadian partners,” Schumer said. “That’s why I called (Knight-Craft) and I urged her to push Canada to end these unfair policies and work with the U.S. to keep both of our dairy industries strong. These kinds of policies put our dairy farmers in grave jeopardy. Our NY dairy producers work hard every day to provide for their families and export quality products to the world – and they deserve to know that everyone’s competing on a level playing field.”
Source: The Daily News
Link: http://www.thedailynewsonline.com/bdn01/new-ambassador-to-canada-urged-to-continue-pushing-milk-in-trade-talks-20170805
