Bean Seed Pawn in U.S.-Canada Trade Fight

WASHINGTON - Jan 18/05 - SNS -- The Canadian government could end up hurting dry edible bean growers in that country in an effort to teach the U.S. a lesson, wryly notes the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

"The ongoing dispute between Canada and the United States regarding the Byrd Amendment could result in higher bean seed prices for Canadian producers," the agricultural attache predicted in a recent comment on the issue.

The World Trade Organization gave Canada the green light to implement tariffs on U.S. products coming north in retaliation to the U.S.'s failure to repeal the Byrd Amendment.

A broad range of dry beans are included on the list of products Canada has put forward as potential candidates for tariffs of up to 100%.

"The impact of the potential tariff could be significant for Canadian producers," the agricultural attache said. "Most of the dry bean seed used in Western Canada comes up from the U.S., and the proposed tariff would double the price.

"During the comment period on the proposed tariff list, Pulse Canada strenuously objected to having dry beans included. The Canadian government will make a final decision on what products will remain on the list and if and when tariffs will be applied."