That is not quite accurate. In fact, product import regulations include mechanisms for acceptance. Products must be in compliance with Canadian standards or standards that are deemed equivalent to them. However, a big problem remains. As I explained earlier, we do not have the option of unilaterally accepting a product because we are a small country. The regulation only allows us to discuss or to accept other standards through equivalency agreements. If a country does not have any regulations, no equivalency agreement can be reached. Some Latin American countries have no regulations. Therefore, we cannot discuss things with their governments. Consequently, we need a mechanism to be able to do this. They apply certain standards, they have a certain system. Is it to our satisfaction? If it is, we can accept the product.
Due to this lack of flexibility, the U.S.A. is the only country speaking to us at this time. The Canadian organic industry is unanimous with regard to this: the American standards create problems for certain products. Since we have to negotiate with the Americans, we are in a weak position. They offer whatever they want to offer to us, and if we refuse, we cannot import anything. If we accept, there is a problem caused by the disparity between what our local producers are subjected to and what we have to accept. In fact, the regulations do not provide the mechanisms and tools that we need to import products on an equal basis with what is expected from Canadian producers.