Meeting of the 8th CETA Committee on Agriculture and of the Canada–EU Agriculture Dialogue

December 3-4, 2025 (Ottawa and by videoconference)

Report

Summary

The eighth meeting of the CETA Committee on Agriculture took place in Ottawa on 3–4 December 2025, followed by the Canada–EU Agriculture Dialogue. Both Parties highlighted the importance of advancing the June 2025 Leaders’ Statement commitment to reduce barriers, deepen agri-food cooperation, and organise a senior-level agriculture meeting to drive progress across CETA structures. The meeting reaffirmed shared priorities on sustainability and resilient food systems and followed a joint workshop with participation of young farmers on sustainable practices and generational renewal in agriculture.

CETA Committee on Agriculture

Welcome, introduction and committee business

Canada highlighted the Leaders’ Summit commitments to reduce barriers and strengthen agri-food trade, noting the productive EU stakeholder visit to Canada in June 2025, which provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Canadian agricultural practices and sustainability initiatives. Canada emphasized shared priorities related to sustainability, innovation, and resilient food systems, and reaffirmed its strong support for full ratification of CETA by remaining EU Member States.

The EU thanked Canada for hosting and pointed to the recent evaluation confirming the benefits of CETA for both sides, while noting that progress on outstanding agricultural issues would further support ratification efforts. Both sides expressed readiness for constructive dialogue.

Review of bilateral trade

Canada reported that bilateral agri-food trade (excluding fish and seafood) reached €7.9 billion (CA$11.8 billion) in 2024, with particularly strong momentum in early 2025 when two-way trade increased by more than 60% between January and August, compared to the same period in 2024. Canada noted that this growth reflects both the stability provided by CETA and broader diversification efforts driven by global market conditions. Canada reiterated the importance of enhancing predictability and transparency as both Parties work to expand agri-food trade.

The EU agreed that trade flows have been robust, citing notable increases in EU processed food exports to Canada and strong overall performance across multiple product categories. The EU expressed hope in further leveraging CETA to take advantage of shifting consumer preferences and Canada’s trade diversification efforts.

Follow-up to the Canada–EU Leaders’ Summit

Canada emphasized the importance of implementing the June 2025 Leaders’ Summit commitments to “reduce barriers and strengthen agri-food trade” and for Canada and EU senior officials to meet at regular intervals to review progress and identify opportunities to deepen cooperation. Canada proposed establishing a new, senior-level meeting focused on agriculture challenges to provide strategic guidance and address cross-cutting and longstanding issues, to which the EU agreed. The EU suggested that the meeting report to the CETA Joint Committee in order to help ensure coherence with the CETA governance infrastructure, to which Canada agreed.

The sides agreed to begin identifying issues suitable for discussion at the meeting and referenced the appointment of an EU Special Envoy for the EU–Canada Partnership as well as the Prime Minister’s Personal Representative to the European Union as underscoring renewed political momentum. Both sides agreed to exchange potential dates and priorities for the meeting.

CETA cheese Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs)

The EU reiterated its concerns regarding transparency, transfers, and potential impacts on competitiveness of its cheese exports. The EU referred to the recent settlement regarding CPTPP dairy TRQ administration reached between Canada and New Zealand and emphasized the role this issue plays in the political debates about CETA ratification. The EU requested additional clarity regarding allocation and utilization practices and asked when Canada might provide a formal response to its most recent proposals on TRQ utilization transparency. While unable to commit to a specific timeline on a response, Canada agreed to continue engagement on the file in the context of its broader trade dynamics.

Canada reiterated that its TRQ administration is fully consistent with mutually agreed upon CETA commitments and highlighted sustained high utilization rates. Canada noted that transfers are standard commercial practice and do not impede access and agreed to continue technical discussions with the EU. The EU invited Canada to provide information in support of its claims.  

EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

Canada reiterated its support for global efforts to curb deforestation while expressing concern regarding certain elements of the EU’s proposed simplification measures, particularly the potential unfair treatment they create for exporters in low-risk third countries. Canada noted that requirements such as geolocation tracing may present challenges for exporters of products including hides, skins, and soy, and encouraged the EU to consider approaches that avoid unnecessary administrative burdens.

The EU expressed its opinion that the CETA Agriculture Committee is not the most suitable forum for discussing the EUDR since the issue is covered in the CETA Bilateral Dialogue on Forest Products. Nevertheless, the EU responded that the proposed adjustments are intended to remain origin-neutral and confirmed that legislative works across the EU institutions are ongoing. The EU acknowledged the implementation timelines facing operators and welcomed Canada’s engagement, recommending continued coordination with Directorate-General for the Environment.

Reciprocity under the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food (pesticides, animal welfare)

Canada raised concerns regarding the emphasis on “reciprocity” within the EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, noting that measures affecting imports should remain science- and risk-based and consistent with Codex and World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations. Canada requested further information on upcoming legislative steps and the timeline for public consultations, and reiterated concerns related to both pesticide maximum residue limit (MRL) approaches and the ongoing review of animal welfare legislation, including transport requirements.

The EU reaffirmed that it does not consider reciprocity measures proposed in the Vision for Agriculture and Food to constitute market access issues. The EU noted that work on closer alignment of food production and import standards is underway through internal studies and impact assessments. The EU confirmed that any future proposals would respect international commitments and will be developed under the EU’s legislative process including public consultations. The EU indicated that in the coming days measures would be announced in the Food and Feed omnibus proposal.

Canadian milk pricing system

The EU reiterated concerns related to Canada’s milk class pricing system that seems to give unfair advantage to Canadian exports of certain dairy products. The EU referenced EU trade data showing shifts in flows of milk protein isolates in favour of Canada. The EU expressed its concern that the milk pricing system in Canada may represent a situation of cross subsidization. Canada reiterated that prices for these dairy commodities are influenced by a variety of factors and represent private business decisions. Canada emphasized that it remains a small participant in global dairy protein market, that Canada’s global exports are in decline, that other dairy producing nations are impacting global market more significantly, and reaffirmed that its policies are consistent with WTO and CETA obligations. 

Ethanol imports from Canada

The EU sought clarification regarding recent increases in ethanol imports from Canada which have progressively reached around 7.5% of EU total imports of the commodity in 2024 (from negligible values before 2019). Canada shared biofuels production and trade data and explained that its exports to the EU remain quite negligible relative to domestic demand and domestic production capacity. Canada remains import-reliant to meet its domestic ethanol needs with majority of imports coming from US.

Any other business

EU beef and pork TRQs

Canada reiterated interest in ensuring the CETA beef and pork TRQs function as intended under Annex 2-B, noting the persistent low utilization rate due to long-standing EU regulatory requirements. Canada encouraged consideration of practical steps to improve predictability and responsiveness.

The EU noted that its licensing system follows established procedures applied uniformly across Member States for sensitive products and that flexibility is limited. The EU referenced detailed TRQ management provisions listed in CETA, reiterated that its licensing system is fully consistent with CETA commitments and offered to continue providing technical clarifications to Canadian exporters.

Member State labelling initiatives

Canada raised concerns regarding recent labelling proposals in Spain and France, noting short implementation timelines and the need for appropriate WTO notification and consultation. The EU took note and invited Canada to submit its concerns in writing.

Canada–EU Agriculture Dialogue

Update on international trade negotiations

Canada and the EU exchanged updates on their respective trade negotiation agendas. Canada outlined its current negotiations and recent agreements concluded as part of its diversification strategy while the EU provided an overview of its ongoing negotiations with key partners. The EU enquired about developments concerning revision of the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement. Both sides reaffirmed strong cooperation in trade policy and committed to continued exchanges on issues including geographical indications, safeguards, and evolving third-country dynamics.

EU Vision for Agriculture and Food

The EU presented the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, outlining long-term priorities related to fair standard of living, competitiveness, resilience and generational renewal. Key themes of the Vision include strengthening farmers’ position in the value chain, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting innovation. The EU also referenced ongoing work on issues such as labelling, animal welfare, and crisis-management tools. Canada noted that some elements, particularly reciprocity in import requirements, would warrant further discussion.

European Union Database for Biofuels

Canada reiterated its concerns regarding the implementation of the Union Database for Biofuels (UDB) and its implications for Canadian canola exports, particularly regarding data requirements, system security, and alignment with Canada’s existing traceability systems. Canada requested continued clarity on timelines and reiterated interest in using unique identifiers to safeguard commercially sensitive data.

The EU noted that the UDB is operational, and that broader uptake is expected once a mandatory compliance date is set. The Commission clarified that the existing certification system does not trace consignments of certified fuels or raw materials, which is the reason why the Commission was empowered to develop the Union database traceability system to complement the existing global certification system.  The Union database design encompasses rules and features that specifically aim to protect personal and commercially sensitive data. The Commission also outlined forthcoming regulatory steps and confirmed that Directorate-General for Energy would provide training opportunities for Canadian exporters during the first quarter of 2026.

EU regulation on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs)

The EU explained that it does not consider the Agriculture Committee meeting to be best placed to hold a substantial discussion on this topic. The EU nevertheless provided a short update on the political agreement reached between its co-legislators on the proposed NGT regulation.

Canada reiterated support for innovation but noted concerns regarding the treatment of herbicide-tolerant NGT plants and asked for clarity on emerging sustainability monitoring requirements. Canada will continue discussions at the upcoming Biotech Dialogue meeting.

Equivalency agreement for organic products

Canada emphasized the importance of maintaining seamless trade under the Canada–EU organic equivalency arrangement and welcomed indications that the EU intends to extend recognition beyond December 2026 to avoid trade disruption. Canada reiterated that Canadian oversight continues to meet EU expectations and highlighted the importance of maintaining the principle of equivalency as the EU updates aspects of its Organic Regulation.

The EU confirmed that a proposal to amend the EU organics basic act was being prepared.  The amendment would extend existing equivalence arrangements for a sufficient period as well as simplify some organic rules and provide clarity and certainty on the use of the EU organic logo. The EU also emphasized its intention to maintain continuity while both Parties work toward a new legally binding agreement. The EU also highlighted recent cooperation and upcoming technical exchanges.

Canada–EU dialogues on Sustainable Agriculture

Canada and the EU noted the success of recent exchanges under the Canada–EU Sustainable Agriculture Dialogue, including the June 2025 stakeholder visit to Canada and the workshop on generational renewal held in Ottawa on December 3. Canada suggested aligning future sessions more closely with Leaders’ priorities to help reduce barriers and strengthen agri-food trade, while remaining open to continued cooperation on sustainability. The EU expressed its readiness to continue engaging, both in government and stakeholders’ formats.

Participants

Canada
Co-Chair: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Director, Europe, Middle East and Africa Division
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Global Affairs Canada
Natural Resources Canada
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Mission of Canada to the European Union

European Union
Co-Chair: European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Head of Unit, The Americas
European Commission, Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development
European Commission, Directorate-General for Trade

European Commission, Directorate-General for Energy
EU Delegation to Canada