Western Grain Elevator Association Welcomes Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Oct. 6, 2015) - The Western Grain Elevator Association (WGEA) today commended the Government of Canada on concluding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.

"The countries represented by the TPP agreement have high population levels and continued strong economic growth. They are key markets for western Canadian grains and oilseeds," said Wade Sobkowich, Executive Director of the WGEA. "While the U.S. and Asia are already major destinations for agricultural products, strengthening our trade relationship there and in the Pacific will further increase market access, clearly benefiting farmers, the grain sector, and the broader economy in western Canada."

"Diversifying markets and expanding market access in key areas of growth around the world will pay long-term and great dividends for our agriculture exports and the economy in Canada," continued Sobkowich. "The western grain sector fully supports the Canada's historic agreement with the TPP - this is positive news for the grain sector."

Members of the TPP include: Japan, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Mexico, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam.

The Western Grain Elevator Association is an association of seven farmer-owned, public, and private grain businesses operating in Canada, together handling over 90% of western Canada's bulk grain exports.