Minister MacAulay Promotes Agricultural Trade at Opening of SIAL Canada 2017

TORONTO, May 2, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is supporting innovation in agriculture to capitalize on growth opportunities and create jobs for Canadians. Budget 2017 sets the ambitious goal of growing Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion annually by 2025.

Promoting these initiatives, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, delivered remarks today at the opening of SIAL Canada 2017, the largest food innovation trade show in North America.  Minister MacAulay was accompanied by Phil Hogan, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, who participated at SIAL as part of a mission to Canada to foster new business relationships in the lead up to the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). 

Minister MacAulay highlighted the mutual benefits of CETA for the agriculture and agri-food industries in Canada and the EU. Industry estimates the historic agreement signed by Canada and the EU will expand Canada's agri-food exports by an estimated $1.5 billion a year to the world's largest market for food.    

Minister MacAulay and Commissioner Hogan also delivered remarks at an EU-hosted information session earlier in the day that focused on key outcomes for agriculture under CETA. The session highlighted opportunities for Canadian and European agricultural exporters to take full advantage of the benefits of CETA. 

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open SIAL, Minister MacAulay and Commissioner Hogan toured the tradeshow to engage with industry representatives, where they sampled many of the innovative food products on display from around the world. Their tour included a stop at the EU pavilion.

Quote

"Canada's exports hit a record high last year ? and we will continue to grow our trade and open new doors for our producers.  The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is a historic win for both Canada and the EU. This agreement will deepen our trading ties and create new and exciting opportunities for Canadian farmers and our agricultural sectors, helping to deliver sustainable growth and drive job creation for middle class Canadians and Europeans alike."
- Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food 

"We are confident that CETA will bring more products to discerning consumers in Canada and Europe. More than half a billion people on both sides of the Atlantic will enjoy new opportunities as a result of this landmark agreement."

- Honourable Phil Hogan, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development

Quick Facts

• CETA is a progressive free trade agreement which covers virtually all sectors and aspects of Canada-EU trade in order to eliminate or reduce barriers.
• CETA will give Canadian farmers, processors and exporters duty-free access to more than half a billion consumers across the EU, the world's largest import market for agriculture and agri-food.
• SIAL Canada is the largest Canadian agri-food tradeshow, featuring more than 850 national and international exhibitors from 50 countries, and hosting more than 15,000 buyers from 60 countries.
• More than 15,000 visitors are expected over the duration of the tradeshow.

Additional Links

• CETA Info (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• CETA Info (Global Affairs Canada)
• SIAL Canada 2017

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada