Food for thought: How trade agreements impact the prospects for a national food policy

Elizabeth Ann Smythe

doi:10.15353/cfs-rcea.v5i3.282

Abstract

This article examines the prospect for a national food policy through the lens of trade agreements and the concept of policy space. It traces the shrinking of domestic policy space in recent decades as a result of trade agreements. Advocates such as Food Secure Canada seek a “coherent” food policy that supports a sustainable, more domestically-focused, food system. This article argues that the prospects for such a policy are constrained, based on Canada’s past history, under both Liberal and Conservative governments, as well as recent bilateral and regional agreements. It examines the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Transpacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) which included the United States, and the subsequent Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) negotiated by the remaining eleven partners after the US departure. Focussing on market access, standards, regulatory harmonization and procurement, I argue that provisions in these agreements, along with what we might expect in future trade negotiations, pose challenges for the development of a national food policy.

Highlights

In 2015, the newly elected Liberal government made good on a campaign promise to develop a national food policy
The above analysis suggests that efforts to support a more local and sustainable food system in a new national food policy may be challenging in the face of recent and future trade agreements
Each could involve an array of policy instruments and regulations that might be constrained by trade agreement obligations

Summary

Introduction

In 2015, the newly elected Liberal government made good on a campaign promise to develop a national food policy. Recent bilateral and regional trade agreements reflect the continued efforts of a number of foodexporting countries and agribusiness to attain further market access for their products by either limiting the discretion of states to privilege locally-produced food or to push for regulatory harmonization which may further restrict policy space.

Results

Conclusion