"The Government of Canada is making strategic investments in Ontario's livestock and grain sectors to improve their competitiveness in foreign markets," said Parliamentary Secretary Lemieux. "Our Government is proud to support the Canadian economy by helping farmers create new international business opportunities, and this fair is an excellent chance for farmers to showcase their high-quality products to the world."

Now entering its 89th year, the fair has a long history of attracting international participation by showcasing Ontario's farm exports. Last year, approximately 1,000 international visitors and buyers representing more than 60 countries attended the Royal, with sales to international buyers reaching about $1 million.

"We are pleased that the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the fair to the agricultural sector," says Bob Jadavji, Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. "This support will allow the Royal to continue promoting Canadian agriculture to the world."

The investments include $650,000 to support traceability initiatives in Ontario's livestock sector, $250,000 for poultry and wheat farmers to increase their exports, and $150,000 through the AgriMarketing Programme to promote the fair internationally and establish the International Business Centre. The Business Centre provides Canadian farmers with a professional, business-friendly environment to meet with national and international buyers.

The Chicken Farmers of Ontario is receiving $120,000 through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Programme (CAAP) to enhance the readiness of Ontario's poultry farmers to contain any potential disease outbreak. Another $130,000 is being provided under the same programme to Wing's Food Products of Toronto, to enable Ontario wheat growers to market their produce to North American noodle and cookie makers and other foreign markets. Both these investments, delivered through the Agricultural Adaptation Council in Ontario, will help poultry and wheat farmers boost their export potential.

The Government has so far committed $650,000 under the Livestock Auction Traceability Initiative (LATI) towards 29 projects in Ontario that help the livestock sector become more competitive in international markets by supporting traceability capabilities. The implementation of a traceability system will greatly benefit Canadian farmers by enhancing Canada's ability to support animal health management, food safety and international market access.