MacAulay meets with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay had a productive trip to Washington last week. 

During his visit, he met with his American counterpart Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

The pair discussed a number of key issues from Canada U.S. food supply chains, to food security, environmental sustainability and rules-based international trade.

Government stats show that in 2022 Canada-U.S. trade in agriculture and food rose by 14 percent to over USD $70 billion – nearly USD $200 million a day. 

MacAulay says Canada and the U.S. have a bond like no other in the world.

"My discussions with our American partners highlighted the important and unique agricultural partnership between our two countries. This is a connection based on shared geography, common values, mutual interests and economic ties, with the shared goal of building a sustainable agricultural sector that strengthens our rural economies, and feeds folks at home and around the world.”

He also raised concerns about the proposed changes in voluntary "Product of USA" labeling regulations for meat and livestock and California’s Proposition 12 and their potential to restrict trade and disrupt supply chains.

During the trip he also met with representatives from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Canadian Cattle Association to discuss reducing trade barriers and the importance of our integrated beef supply chains.

MacAulay's visit to Washington marked the first ministerial outreach to the U.S. since his reappointment as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on July 26, 2023.