Government invests to promote Canada's agricultural trade interests

OTTAWA, March 22, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is supporting a more stable and secure trading environment for agricultural exporters through a $1-million investment in the world's three standard-setting bodies for agriculture and food products.

The $1-million investment will support scientific and technical work of the Codex Alimentarius and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in their efforts to ensure that technical regulations and standards do not unduly restrict global trade while at the same time protecting food safety, animal and plant health.

Ensuring a predictable science-based trade environment is key for Canada's agricultural exporters to help them remain well-positioned to reach the ambitious goal set in Budget 2017 to increase Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025.

Strong international trade standards, guidelines and codes of practices help ensure a level-playing field for Canadian producers and businesses trading products all over the world.

Quote

"The Government of Canada supports science-based trade rules to ensure Canada remains a global leader in agricultural exports. This investment will help the development of international standards which will benefit Canadian farmers, processors and consumers by ensuring predictable trade for our economies."

- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick facts

• This investment builds on the Government of Canada's $1-million contribution in 2016-2017 to the International standard-setting bodies (ISSBs).
• Last year, Canada's funding to ISSBs was used to support the first Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Nutrition; prepare a manual for Pest Free Areas; hold an expert meeting on Microbiological Risk Assessment for Escherichia coli and food, and organize workshops to support enhanced Veterinary Services capacity.

Associated links

• Technical Trade Issues in Agriculture
• International standard setting bodies

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence Macaulay, 613-773-1059; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]

Related Links

www.agr.gc.ca