WATERFORD, ON, July 3, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada is a global leader in the production of North American ginseng. It is the largest field grown horticultural export with sales of over $228 million a year. Strategic investments in Canadian-grown ginseng help the sector seize market opportunities, build its competitive advantage, and contribute to the Government's goal of growing Canada's agriculture and food annual exports to $75 billion by 2025.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay announced today an investment of $360,521 to the Ontario Ginseng Growers' Association (OGGA) to help promote and pursue new markets, including India which provides potential to further increase demand for Canadian-grown ginseng beyond its traditional Asian markets.
This investment under the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriMarketing Program will help the OGGA stay in front of its competitors, increase domestic and international market demand, and strengthen Canada's reputation as a producer of high-quality, safe and clean Canadian-grown ginseng.
Today's announcement is part of the Minister's cross country 'Growing Canadian Agriculture' tour which started in Quebec last week and ends in B.C. on July 17.
The Minister is meeting with farmers, processors and industry leaders, as well as participate in rural agricultural events, to highlight strategic federal agricultural investments and programs - including those recently launched under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership—and how they will help to build an even stronger and more innovative sector for Canada.
Quotes
"Canadian growers of North American ginseng are important contributors to the economy, both in Ontario and in Canada. This investment will help our world-class ginseng growers promote their top-quality product and compete in new markets around the world, which will help boost global exports and create good jobs for our middle class."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"The funding we get from the AgriMarketing Program allows us to develop new markets, educate the consumer, and properly brand our ginseng as the premium product that it is. This program has helped solidify our reputation as having the highest quality ginseng in the world.
- Remi Van De Slyke, Chair of the Ontario Ginseng Growers' Association
Quick facts
- The OGGA is a non-profit organization of producers of ginseng who grow, harvest and sell the root. They represent more than 160 growers and have the largest production of North American ginseng in the world. Almost all producers of North American ginseng in Canada are located in Ontario.
- The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal-provincial and territorial governments, which will strengthen the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.
Associated Links
- Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
- AgriMarketing Program: National Industry Association Component
- Ginseng Ontario
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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]
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