The Specialty Food Association gave written and oral comments to the U.S. Trade Representative about the ongoing NAFTA renegotiation stressing the deal’s importance to small and very small food businesses. The Association urged that the challenges of specialty food companies in the North American regional market should be a primary focus in the negotiating objectives for NAFTA.
“Small and very small food companies are phenomenal engines of innovation and employment across this country,” said Phil Kafarakis, president of the Specialty Food Association. “They are vital to the achievement of any U.S. goals for NAFTA modernization.”
SFA stressed that the interests and challenges of small and very small businesses, especially those in food, must be reflected in any new NAFTA agreement. Non-tariff barriers to trade and eased customs procedures will make it easier for U.S. companies to grow their businesses through exporting to Canada and Mexico.
SFA pointed out that 1,000+ Canadian buyers and over 100 Mexican buyers attended the Association’s Fancy Food Shows in the past year – these are the largest specialty food events held in North America. And the U.S. market is also very important to the Canadian and Mexican food industries; both Canada and Mexico had over 40 booths each at the SFA’s 2017 Fancy Food Shows.
NAFTA modernization is needed on the regional treatment of non-tariff barriers to trade, proactive regional cooperation to adjust and harmonize approaches to safety and labeling standards, customs procedures, and regional support for small businesses, according to SFA. The Association added that all three NAFTA partners had participated in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations (TPP) and that some of the TPP text could be used as a basis for the negotiations.
About the Specialty Food Association
The Specialty Food Association is a thriving community of food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs. Established in 1952 in New York, the not-for-profit trade association provides its 3,500 members in the U.S. and abroad with resources, knowledge and connections to champion and nurture their companies in an always-evolving marketplace. The Association owns and produces the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, and presents the sofi™ Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com.