Canada’s trade agenda to help Canadian farmers find new markets for their high-quality crops
February 4, 2014 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today told Canadian wheat producers that while domestic reforms have reinvigorated the industry, new international markets are critical to future success, which is why the federal government has been working to conclude the Canada-EU trade agreement. The agreement will present tremendous opportunities for Canadian producers, processors and exporters. Since the announcement of the agreement-in-principle in October 2013, the trade deal has been referred to as Canada’s most ambitious trade initiative and among the most comprehensive the world has ever seen.
Minister Fast made his remarks at an event held by the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association in Ottawa.
The agreement will generate substantial gains across all key economic sectors, including the agriculture and agri-food sector. In fact, Canada will be one of the only developed countries to have preferential access to the world’s two largest markets: the European Union and the United States.
“Canada’s world-renowned grain growers are big winners under the historic Canada-European Union trade agreement. These new opportunities will translate into more jobs and prosperity for farmers and their families in every region of Canada.”
- Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade
“CETA was a hugely important agreement and a tremendous win for western Canadian grain farmers, both in terms of elimination of tariffs and improved market access for grains in the lucrative EU market. The projected export gains in the livestock sector will also translate into significant, substantial benefits for Canadian feed grain producers.”
- Levi Wood, President, Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association
Shannon Gutoskie
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
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