Minister Bibeau named co-chair of international meeting of agricultural ministers

Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada understands the importance of creating a sustainable agriculture sector that benefits all Canadians and our economy, which means looking ahead to the future to find new opportunities for innovation and growth.

In recognition of Canada’s leadership role in the global agriculture and agri-food sector, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has named the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, as a co-chair for its Meeting of Agriculture Ministers. The OECD will host its Meeting of Agriculture Ministers in Paris, France, from November 3-4, 2022.

The Honourable Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity, Minister for Land Information, and Minister for Rural Communities, will co-chair alongside Minister Bibeau.

The meeting’s theme, Building Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems in a Changing Environment: Shared Challenges, Transformative Solutions will be an opportunity for OECD Ministers of Agriculture to build on the existing work underway by member countries to enhance the long-term sustainability of the sector, while also working with key partners on a collective path forward to addressing the challenges facing the global food system.

Deliverables of the meeting include:

• Explore new challenges and opportunities facing the global food system;
• Work towards outlining a shared vision and goals for the global agriculture sector;
• Set out policy principles that can help increase productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture and agri-food.

The Government of Canada understands that the environment and the economy go hand in hand. By taking the necessary steps to build a sustainable future for generations to come, we will help ensure the continued competitiveness of the agriculture and agri-food sector in Canada.