Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 1/22/18

As the host country, Canada is intent on trying to keep NAFTA from derailing. The nation has taken a "Team Canada" approach, and its two major parties - the opposition Conservative Party and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party - are speaking with one voice.

Still, Canada plans stand firm at the negotiating table against U.S. proposals that it believes will damage the North American economy. It will also work with U.S. lawmakers, governors and other elected officials to persuade the Trump administration to rethink some of its ideas, Pro Trade's Doug Palmer reports. 

Trump has been sending conflicting messages in recent interviews about his outlook on the talks, but the biggest threat may be that the administration has been frustrated with the pace of progress and dearth of counter-proposals from Canada and Mexico, Doug writes.

Sticking points for ag: Among the concessions sought by American dairy companies is an end to Canada's recent pricing program that they say is causing a glut of milk protein concentrates, such as skim milk powder, on the world market. Canada's supply management system, which supports prices and farmer incomes by capping milk production and restricting imports, is also an issue.

Another chat: Morning Trade is reporting that Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo are holding a surprise meeting today in Toronto. That will give the two a chance to discuss strategy - without the presence of the U.S.