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Lighthizer confident new NAFTA will include Canada dairy fix

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer offered members of the House Ways and Means Committee assurances that a modernized NAFTA will include changes to Canadian dairy policy.

During a hearing on trade Wednesday, the Ambassador said Canada’s protectionist approach to agriculture even extends beyond dairy.

“Eggs and poultry are other ones where they have what you would consider to be not very market-oriented approaches on these things.  It’s difficult for them to change their policies in these areas because they’re sensitive, just like they are in every single district in America.”

California Congressman Devin Nunes told Lighthizer Canada has been getting away with murder in the dairy industry.

“It’s causing tremendous problems for farmers here in the United States.”

Lighthizer says returning dairy market access to U.S. farmers remains a high priority.

“And even greater access (than before).  I’m hopeful that when we put the final deal together, it’s something we make real headway on.”

NAFTA negotiators will enter into an eighth round of negotiations next month in Washington, D.C.