Minister MacAulay Concludes Visit to Texas

OTTAWA, June 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay travelled to Texas this week where he highlighted longstanding historical trade links between the U.S. and Canada and emphasized the two countries' integrated transportation networks; he noted that Texas sells some $27 billion in goods and services to Canada annually and that approximately 460,000 jobs in the state rely on trade and investment with Canada.

In Dallas, Minister MacAulay spoke to delegates at the World Meat Congress on the opportunities and challenges of feeding a growing world population. The Minister highlighted the vital importance of innovation and science, collaboration and trade partnerships in helping feed the world in a sustainable way.

His speech was followed by addresses from his United States and Argentina counterparts, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Minister of Agroindustry Luis Miguel Etchevehere, respectively. Minister MacAulay also met with Etchevehere to discuss Canada's deepening trade relationship with the South American nation.

The trip to Texas gave Minister MacAulay the opportunity to meet with U.S. government officials at all levels, including the mayor of Dallas, Mike Rawlings, and Rep. Marc Veasey of Texas, to emphasize Canada's commitment to NAFTA and ongoing negotiations.

Minister MacAulay joined Canada Pork International, the Canadian Pork Council, Canada Beef and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, as well as their Texan and American industry counterparts, for a roundtable discussion on the importance of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.

And in Fort Worth, he visited with officials from Mother Parker's Tea & Coffee, a firm founded and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, but which relies on efficient North American transportation networks to move its goods, helping it be the fourth-largest roaster on the continent.

Quote

"Trade is an engine of jobs and growth. In Canada, it is estimated that one of every six jobs depends on exports. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to continue working with the United States to strengthen our mutually beneficial partnership for the good of our hard-working farmers, our businesses, and our economies."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick Facts

• Texas ranks 9th of all 50 U.S. states in terms of agricultural imports from Canada.
• Bilateral agriculture and agri-food trade between Canada and the United States reached $63 billion (CAD) in 2017.
• Canada is the United States' number one export market.
• Canada is the top agriculture and agri-food export market for 29 states.
• Canada-United States trade supports millions of middle class jobs on both sides of the border.

Associated Links

• Canada-United States Bilateral Agricultural and Agri-food Trade
• Texas-Canada Agricultural Trade
• Canadian Trade Commissioner Service ? United States
• Agriculture and Food Market Intelligence ? United States
• World Meat Congress 2018
• Mother Parker's Tea & Coffee

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada