Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance becomes a Friend of CAFTA, bringing the perspective of seafood farmers and coastal communities to national trade advocacy

OTTAWA, June 16, 2026 — The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today welcomed the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) as a Friend of CAFTA, reflecting the critical role that exports, market access and predictable trade conditions play across Canada’s agri-food economy.

Friends of CAFTA are associated organizations that support the alliance’s mission and shared trade priorities.

CAIA, which represents Canada's finfish, shellfish and aquatic plant farmers, as well as feed companies and suppliers, adds the voice of Canada's aquaculture sector to CAFTA's alliance of export-oriented food and agriculture organizations.

“The aquaculture sector is the future for growing more healthy and sustainable Canadian-raised seafood,” said Timothy Kennedy, President and CEO of CAIA. “At a time when trade policy and market access are increasingly important to Canada's economic future, joining CAFTA ensures aquaculture has a seat at the table alongside the country's leading export sectors.”

Canadian aquaculture exports are valued at more than $1 billion annually, while the sector generates more than $6 billion in economic activity, contributes $2.03 billion to GDP and supports approximately 18,000 jobs in coastal and rural communities across the country.

CAIA’s participation in CAFTA will help ensure the priorities of seafood farmers are reflected in broader agri-food trade advocacy, supporting the communities they sustain and the sector’s continued growth.

“Canada’s aquaculture sector is a proven export success story, and CAIA’s voice adds important depth to our alliance,” said Greg Northey, President of CAFTA. “Their addition ensures CAFTA’s advocacy on market access and rules-based trade reflects the full scope of Canada’s agri-food export economy, making us stronger advocates for all our members.”

Through this partnership, CAFTA and CAIA will advance shared trade priorities that strengthen Canada’s agri-food competitiveness, support rural and coastal economies, and create new opportunities for Canadian food producers in global markets.

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About the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA)

The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance is a coalition of national organizations that advocate for a more open, rules-based, and fair international trading environment for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. CAFTA’s members include the beef, pork, grains, oilseed, sugar, processed food and life-science industries, which together contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and food security. For more information, visit www.cafta.org.

About CAIA

The Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance is the national association that speaks for Canada's seafood farmers — Farming Canadian Waters with Care. The sector contributes $6 billion in economic activity, $2.03 billion in GDP, and 18,000 jobs across Canada, with over $1 billion in annual export value. For more information, visit www.aquaculture.ca.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Hana Sabah, Communications Consultant, Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. hana@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841

Sheri Beaulieu, Marketing and Communications Manager, Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance. sheri.beaulieu@aquaculture.ca | 613.853.0612