GUELPH – The federal government has announced up to $6 million in funding for Canada Pork International to grow Canada’s pork exports.
“Canada’s pork industry contributes $24 billion to the economy. This investment will help further increase international demand for Canada’s high-quality pork and create new opportunities for our hardworking producers to take full advantage of new trade agreements,” Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodMarie-Claude Bibeau stated at the July 25 announcement in Guelph.
Officials say the funding will boost awareness of the pork industry in “priority international markets,” and help Canadian producers benefit from “new opportunities” created by free trade agreements.
“The Government of Canada is committed to diversifying trade and opening new markets for Canadian farmers and exporters,” stated Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification.
“We continue to promote our high-quality pork products around the world and seize new opportunities for growth.”
The funding aims to increased producer knowledge of market opportunities, enhance promotional efforts, increase contact with potential buyers and grow market opportunities for chilled pork exports.
The project is funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership’s AgriMarketing Program, which supports industry-led promotional activities that differentiate Canadian products and producers, and leverages Canada’s reputation for high quality and safe food.
“The Canadian pork industry contributes billions of dollars to the Canadian economy, and I’m proud that we’re opening markets for continued growth in the sector,” stated Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield.
