Ottawa, Ontario – Canada has long been a global leader in the production of high-quality, nutritious food. Exporting these products plays a significant role in supporting our economy and contributing to the overall profitability and strength of the agricultural sector. Today, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of nearly $1.8 million for the Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA), over two years, to help open and maintain markets for Canadian exporters around the world and to facilitate the entry of numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into international markets.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges all along the value chain for producers seeking to reach new international markets, and making investments in these efforts is critical to securing the future of the sector. Increased exports for SMEs translate into economic development for the communities where they operate, while simultaneously raising the profile of Canadian food and beverage products on the world stage.
This investment will support the CFEA’s efforts to build relationships, create networks, identify opportunities and gain familiarity with potential new markets in more than 15 countries in Asia, Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East. Related activities will highlight Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada’s reputation for high-quality and safe food while creating opportunities for SMEs to showcase their products.
This investment will also contribute to helping improve global food security. The Government of Canada is providing Canadian farmers and agri-food businesses with the resources and tools they need to support a stable food supply for Canadians and the world.
Industry is innovative, sustainable, and well-positioned to serve global demand. In 2021, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Canadian agriculture and food exports hit a new record of over $82 billion. This strategic investment will help small and medium businesses build on this momentum, seize new market opportunities and continue growing Canada’s annual agriculture and food exports.
The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring small and medium sized businesses have the opportunities they need to identify and enter new markets, increase their competitiveness, and showcase their excellent products on an international stage.
Source : Government of Canada