Minister MacAulay promotes agricultural trade with California and the U.S.

OTTAWA, Feb. 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada and the United States share deeply integrated economies and enjoy the largest bilateral trade and investment relationship in the world.

As negotiations on a modernized North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) continue to progress with the seventh round of renegotiations to be held in Mexico City, Mexico from February 25 to March 5, 2018, the government of Canada continues to work to strengthen the Canada-U.S. trade relationship and create new opportunities for producers and food processors on both sides of the border.

As part of these efforts, Minister MacAulay travelled this week to Sacramento, California, where he highlighted the strengths of agriculture trade with California, noting that Canada is the number one market for California's agriculture and agri-food exports worth $5.4 billion (CAD) in 2017.

The Minister had a bilateral discussion with California Secretary of Food and Agriculture, Karen Ross, and Canada was recognized as an important trading partner for the U.S. on the California Assembly Floor, and the California Senate Floor.

During these events, the Minister discussed the agricultural benefits of NAFTA regarding trade between Canada, California and the U.S. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing U.S.-Canada collaboration and cooperation, while speaking with the California Chamber of Commerce and U.S. Congressman, Ami Bera.

Minister MacAulay later provided remarks at a Friends of Canada Reception, and held meetings with various U.S. legislators, business representatives, and members of industry.

Quote

"Canada and California are important trading partners for agriculture and agri-food products, supporting millions of middle class jobs on both sides of the border. NAFTA has brought tremendous economic benefits to Canada and California. Working closer together will make farmers and food processors on both sides of the border reach more markets, create more jobs and become more prosperous." 
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick facts

• Canada exported $2.9 billion (CAD) in agriculture and agri-food products to California in 2016.
• Canada and the United States are each other's largest trade partners for agriculture and agri-food, with bilateral agriculture trade reaching $62 billion (CAD) ($47 billion (USD)) in 2016.
• Canada is the top agriculture and agri-food export market for 29 states.

Associated links

• Canada-United States Bilateral Agricultural and Agri-food Trade
• Canada-California Bilateral Agricultural and Agri-food Trade
• Canada-United States Trade 2016 - State Factsheets
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service ? United States
• Agriculture and Food Market Intelligence ? United States

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Halifax