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U.S. and Canada working hard to resolve NAFTA differences

The Undersecretary for Trade at USDA says the U.S. and Canada are working hard to settle differences on NAFTA.

Ted McKinney calls discussions with Canadian trade officials civil and in earnest.

“There’s no flailing of the arms and beating of the chests and flexing of the muscle, it’s just hard work.”

Speaking at a United Fresh Produce Association symposium in Washington Monday, McKinney indicated dairy policy is not the main sticking point in negotiations, but is part of it.

“I understand there are going to be some discussions on the margins of the United Nations meeting this week, that’s a good thing.  Nobody has said that we’re done (or) walking away, so I think if we can keep that going we’re going to get there.”

McKinney suggested an agreement between the U.S. Canada could take days or weeks, saying there’s no way to tell right now.