By Alice McFarlane

Grain Growers say parliament is leaving farmers behind passing Bill C-202

Jun 19, 2025 | 2:17 PM

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is disappointed in Parliament’s decision to pass Bill C-202 without the thorough review of parliamentarians.

GGC also said its concerned it proceeded without consideration of its impact on international trade, and without regard for Canada’s export-oriented grain sector.

The legislation, which amends the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act to prohibit the inclusion of supply-managed goods in future trade negotiations, poses serious risks to the livelihoods of Canada’s 70,000 grain farmers, who export more than 70 per cent of what they grow.

Executive Director Kyle Larkin said despite the government’s stated commitment to growing Canada’s economy and expanding international trade, the first bill passed by the 45th Parliament restricts trade negotiators’ ability to secure the best possible deals for Canadians.

“This legislation received unanimous consent from Members of Parliament without consulting with the Canadians it impacts the most, forcing the Senate to fast-track a flawed bill,” he said.

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Grain farmers export wheat, barley, canola, pulses, and other commodities to more than 160 countries, generating over $45 billion in export value each year.

Larkin said Bill C-202 now stands to undermine Canada’s ability to pursue new and existing trade agreements that both support the sector’s export growth and the country’s long-term economic prosperity.

“With critical trade negotiations and renegotiations ahead, including with our largest trading partner, the United States, passing Bill C-202 sends the wrong message internationally,” Larkin added. “For grain farmers who rely on access to international markets, the result will be less ambitious trade agreements, fewer export opportunities, and slower economic growth at home.”

The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is scheduled for review in 2026 and could lead to a full renegotiation. At the same time, the federal government is pursuing a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a region that holds significant potential for expanding Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports.

Scott Hepworth, Acting Chair of GGC, said as a grain producer, he knows firsthand how important international trade is to his livelihood.

“Without reliable access to global markets, farmers like me are left behind. With Bill C-202 now passed, the government must refocus its efforts on helping grain farmers grow more food and expand our exports,” he said

GGC called on the government to address issues impacting international trade including infrastructure investments, especially at the Port of Vancouver, returning funding levels in public plant breeding research to pre-2013 levels, and bolstering the work of the Market Access Secretariat to address barriers to trade.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com