Canada’s farmers and food processors will see more of their goods exported to Europe.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, yesterday completed the first leg of a 10-day European agricultural trade mission in Cologne, Germany.
As part of his efforts to build on the momentum of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)’s provisional application, the Minister was at ANUGA, the largest food and beverage show in the world, where he met with Canadian exhibitors and participated in a networking event to facilitate new trade opportunities.
Canadian industry representatives reported qualifying more than 2,500 leads, over 35 percent of which they believe will lead to future business. In terms of sales, industry representatives reported some $31.7 million in on-site sales, and $321.9 million in anticipated sales, over the next year.
Canadian industry estimates CETA will boost agriculture and agri-food exports by up to $1.5 billion annually. This historic Agreement will give the sector a competitive advantage in the EU, and will help Canada move towards meeting its target of growing agri-food exports to at least $75 billion annually by 2025.
Pursuing trade agreements to grow the agriculture sector is just one way the Government of Canada is looking out for farmers and agri-food producers while creating well-paying jobs across Canada.
Minister MacAulay continues his mission today and tomorrow in Belgium, where he will meet with European Union officials as well as lead business meetings with European agricultural importers in Brussels, before departing to Antwerp, where he will tour the city’s sea port.
Source : Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada