WASHINGTON — Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) and the U.S.-based Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) have welcomed the new cross-border trade strategy called “Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness.”
Announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama, the agreement strategically aligns food safety approaches and inspections between the two countries to reduce unnecessary duplicate inspections. The plan provides for the first pilot-trusted trader program between the Canadian and U.S. Governments for food processors.
“This exciting initiative will allow companies with low-risk products and strong compliance standards to more efficiently move their goods across the border,” said Nancy Croitoru, FCPC president and CEO.
Pamela Bailey, GMA president and CEO, also commented. “This initiative will help to streamline cross-border trade between the U.S. and Canada,” she said. “As always, our commitment to food safety is our number-1 priority. The changes this initiative will institute will simply make the process of moving goods and services between our two countries more efficient and cost effective for both government and industry.”
