Food markets are becoming global and competition in all markets is intense, countries are working to improve market access through the current round of World Trade Organization negotiations and through regional agreements such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas. Trade is critical to Canada's agri-food sector. Canada is a major agricultural producer with a relatively small population. As a result, we export almost half of our farm products. Because of the magnitude of our exports, the success of the agri-food sector depends, in large part, on international markets.