As first reported here on RealAgriculture, Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, spent last week in Beijing, China, where he met with Chinese industry leaders, importers, and Canadian stakeholders (see list below).
A news release issued by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on Nov. 19 was the government’s first public acknowledgement of the minister’s trip.
MacAulay’s visit was aimed at advocating for improved commercial opportunities for Canadian farmers, processors and exporters, and reinforce Canada’s commitment to exploring ways to support fair competition, a level playing field for businesses, and more open, sustainable and inclusive trade, according to AAFC.
While there, MacAulay met with a range of industry stakeholders to discuss emerging opportunities and challenges for Canadian agriculture, agri-food, as well as fish and seafood exports. The news release from AAFC does not mention any meetings with Chinese government officials.
China is Canada’s largest canola seed trade partner, with over 4.5 million tonnes worth $3.8 billion exported to the country in 2023. On September 9, 2024, China formally launched an anti-dumping investigation on imports of canola seed from Canada.
Throughout his visit, the minister “expressed his deep concern over China’s unfair initiation of an anti-dumping investigation on imports of canola seed from Canada” and pressed for the full restoration of market access for Canadian beef and dry pet food containing poultry ingredients, as well as noting China’s delays with its approval process for Canada’s other market access requests. He also shared Canada’s views on achieving more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, while reaffirming that Canada stands ready to work with China to enhance our agricultural trading relationship, says AAFC.
“Canada will work with the canola industry and provincial counterparts to ensure a level playing field in international trade and will always stand up for Canadian businesses and workers and defend them from the harmful effects of unfair trade policies,” MacAulay said, in the Nov. 19 release.
MacAulay was also joined on the trip by Chris White, president and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council and Canada Pork, as well as Stephen Heckbert, executive director of the Canadian Pork Council, in part to announce the establishment of the Canadian Meat Advocacy Office, which will be based at Beijing, China.
The office is being supported by a federal investment of up to $223,850 over two years through the AgriMarketing program, and will allow the sector to have an onsite presence in China and work with local intermediaries to secure access for Canadian red meat products.
Who Minister MacAulay met with in China:
Minister MacAulay met with the following organizations/companies during his trip to Beijing, according to his office:
Chinese stakeholders:
- China Customs and Brokers Association
- China Import/Export Quarantine Association
- China Meat Association
- China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products
Canadian industry stakeholders:
- Ocean Choice International
- HyLife
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Richardson
- Paterson Grain
- Pulse Canada
- Bunge
- Canada Pork
- MARS
- Canadian Meat Council
- Canadian Pork Council
- Canada China Business Council.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with details of who Minister MacAulay met with during his trip to China.
