Member of Parliament Lawrence Toet (Elmwood—Transcona), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, has announced an investment to help the Canadian International Grains Institute, in partnership with the Canadian Soybean Council, seize new opportunities in markets abroad. The announcement took place at Winnipeg’s eighth annual Discover Agriculture in the City, a three-day event that offers city dwellers a chance to discover how agriculture impacts their daily lives.
“Our Government’s top priority remains the economy, and we continue to work with farmers to create and expand export opportunities and grow their businesses,” said MP Toet. “Canadian soybeans are the first choice of processors worldwide, and with this investment, soybean producers will promote their world-class product to new markets around the globe.”
This AgriMarketing investment of $90,000 is enabling the Canadian Soybean Council to undertake market development activities in targeted markets abroad, such as Japan and Southeast Asia. This is allowing the industry to determine the best approach for export market development in priority markets, while also informing potential customers about the benefits of buying Canadian soybeans.
“Initiatives like these that are supported by the Government of Canada and the Canadian International Grains Institute allow us the opportunities to increase market access for our high-value Canadian soybeans,” said Barry Senft, Chief Executive Officer of the Grain Farmers of Ontario, a founding member of the Canadian Soybean Council. “These regions of the world are key to the growth of our value-added soybean industry here in Canada.”
“The Canadian International Grains Institute’s work with the Canadian Soybean Council is an important part of our efforts to support the Canadian field crop industry and market development activities that help promote Canada’s high-quality crops internationally,” said Earl Geddes, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian International Grains Institute.
Through the AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward, the Government of Canada is investing $88 million to help industry implement long-term international strategies, including international market development, industry-to-industry trade advocacy, and consumer awareness and branding activities.
This announcement is another example of what is being done to enhance competitiveness for Canadian agricultural exports. The Harper Government has achieved six new free trade agreements that have opened the doors of diverse international markets to Canadian agricultural products. In fact, the Government of Canada has also identified market development as a priority under Growing Forward 2.
