From January 3rd to 5th, Jack Chaffe officer at large and Sarah Creach, CCA Staff participated in the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) conference held in Des Moines, Iowa. The event brought together over 100 attendees, including state representatives, state senators, agricultural organizations, and Canadian representatives from several provinces.
Key Highlights:
Engagement with U.S. Leaders: CCA engaged in numerous discussions that highlighted the deep integration of the U.S. and Canadian agricultural markets. One major insight was the limited awareness among U.S. attendees of how reliant their agricultural sector is on Canadian markets. Addressing this knowledge gap was a central focus during our conversations.
Trade Advocacy: Canadian representatives effectively communicated the importance of preserving an unhindered trade relationship between Canada and the U.S. This message was particularly relevant as discussions around the proposed 25% tariff gain momentum.
Relationship-Building: The event provided an excellent opportunity to establish and strengthen connections with state-level policymakers and industry stakeholders. These relationships will be invaluable as we work to prevent future trade barriers and advocate for policies that benefit both countries.
Building relationships at the state level is essential, as these connections can amplify the voices needed to prevent future trade barriers. This is crucial as we navigate emerging trade challenges and strive to maintain a strong, cooperative trading relationship with the U.S.
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