Canada invests $2.7 million to further agri-food exports
Market development activities will be fundedLast week, Canada's minister of agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau announced an investment of up to $2,731,384 over two years for the organisation to help Canadian exporters increase the value of agriculture and agri-food exports.
With funding under the AgriMarketing Program, the organisation will undertake market development activities to meet the needs of Canadian food exporters, from those just starting out to more experienced exporters who want to consolidate their markets or discover potential markets that will increase the value of agri-food exports internationally.
According to the government-issued press release, Group Export Agri-Food Québec-Canada will use trade shows, exploratory missions and business meetings to help exporters establish contacts with potential buyers and build business partnerships and sales. With a total of 14 free trade agreements with 51 countries, Canada has a broad and growing global trade network that gives Canadian agri-food businesses preferred access in order to seize opportunities on a global market scale.
Canada's agriculture and agri-food exports have continued to increase despite sector challenges, reaching over $82 billion in 2021 and surpassing a previous target to grow agri-food exports to at least $75 billion by 2025.
The Government of Canada plans to continue making strategic investments to help Canadian farmers, processors and exporters grow and diversify their markets and further position Canada as the trading partner of choice for international customers.
"Such investments make it possible to set up several activities, including some thirty outside Canada each year," said Martin Lavoie, CEO, Group Export Agri-Food Québec-Canada. "This show of confidence from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada allows us to support hundreds of exporters in achieving their export goals, contributing significantly to the country's economy."