Although most people travel to Buenos Aires in the winter time, that’s where Canada’s minister of Agriculture and Agri-food is this week as he takes in the G20 agriculture ministerial meeting.
Minister Lawrence MacAulay will join a large contingent of other agricultural ministers from Argentina, the U.S., Germany, Australia, and Japan. Senior officials from guest countries and experts from international organizations will also be present.
On the agenda is healthy soil management, as well as food waste and loss, and the role of technology in farming.
This is big news to have a seat at the table, as the G20 countries are key players in the global food system. They account for 60 per cent of the world’s agricultural land and almost 80 per cent of trade in foodstuffs and agricultural products.
MacAulay will also travel to Chile — an important member of CPTPP — in hopes to advance industry’s interest in this key market.
While in Argentina and Chile, the minister will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts to promote Canadian made canola, wheat, beef, and pork, and meet with industry leaders to bolster bilateral trading relationships. While he’s there, MacAulay also hopes to create new market opportunities for Canadian farmers and processors. Just last year, Canada exported nearly $300 million in agriculture and agri-food products to Argentina and Chile — hence why they’re important partners within the red and white.
Our farmers in Canada and in Italy depend on strong trade ties to put more money in our communities. Shared this message with Italian Minister of Agriculture @giamma71 today as we discussed the benefits of rules based trade. #G20 #CETA @CanadaTrade pic.twitter.com/dXv2yZs9eG
— Lawrence MacAulay (@L_MacAulay) July 27, 2018
