Minister MacAulay concludes productive visit to Washington, D.C.

Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  

Agriculture connects so many communities in Canada and the United States, and both countries depend on our strong trade relationship and ongoing cooperation. Earlier this week, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, travelled to Washington, D.C. for meetings with key industry and agri-food stakeholders and U.S. officials, aimed at strengthening those ties and advancing shared priorities. 

While in Washington, Minister MacAulay met with the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. During their meeting, they highlighted the importance of continuing to work collaboratively on mutual priorities with an emphasis on the resiliency of Canada-U.S. food supply chains, food security, environmental sustainability, and rules-based international trade.

During the meeting, Minister MacAulay raised proposed changes in voluntary “Product of USA” labelling regulations for meat and livestock and California’s Proposition 12. The Minister reaffirmed Canada’s concerns that these rules have the potential to restrict trade and disrupt supply chains.

The Minister and Secretary Vilsack took the opportunity to discuss the importance of sustainable agriculture. Canada and the U.S. are working together to accelerate global agricultural innovation on climate change through increased research and development. This includes efforts to identify innovative tools to support decision making, monitoring and measurement of enhanced sustainability and resiliency in agricultural landscapes.

Minister MacAulay also sat down with representatives from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Canadian Cattle Association to discuss reducing trade barriers and the important integrated nature of our beef supply chains.

To conclude his visit, the Minister took part in a reception with key U.S. stakeholders, featuring food and drinks made with both Canadian and U.S. ingredients.