The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has added its voice to those calling for quick ratification of the new Canada, U.S., Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA).

The Association says it is long advocated for North American free trade and strongly encourages swift ratification.

Under CUSMA and its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the beef industries of Canada, the U.S., and Mexico enjoy reciprocal duty-free trade.

"We strongly encourage nonpartisan collaboration to enable swift ratification and implementation of the new NAFTA. This is of utmost importance to the Canadian beef industry," said CCA President David Haywood Farmer. "Ratification will let us get back to focusing on the next steps of strengthening trade between our nations such as the work undertaken by the Regulatory Cooperation Council."

Access to global markets, including the North American market, means that on average that each animal is worth over $600 CDN more than in comparison to domestic market sales alone.

The CCA says the Canada/U.S. beef trading relationship is the largest in the world and trade has significant benefits for both industries.