WINNIPEG – Canada should be pushing back against the European Union on agricultural regulations and its attempts to impose its policies on other countries, says a consumer advocate.

The EU has been promoting the idea of “mirror clauses,” in which farmers in other countries must follow regulations that apply to European producers.

If not, the EU won’t accept commodities such as canola and durum from Canada.

“To trade with us, your regulatory level needs to mirror ours,” said Bill Wirtz, senior policy analyst for the Consumer Choice Center, who specializes in agriculture and trade.

The consumer advocacy group is an international organization, with offices in Washington, Brussels, London and Kuala Lumpur.

“You can only export to Europe if the production methods are comparable to Europe.”

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