Investing in Grain Sector to Increase Exports

News Release

April 14, 2015 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced an investment of $1.4 million under Growing Forward 2 for two projects being led by the Canada Grains Council (CGC) to help the grain industry demonstrate its compliance with global sustainability requirements and expand its access to international markets.

The CGC is receiving over $1 million to develop tools that will help grain growers demonstrate their crops are grown in a sustainable way. An additional investment of over $325,000 will allow the CGC to collaborate with other stakeholders in the grains and oilseeds industry on common issues related to trade and market access in order to increase grain export opportunities for the sector.

Quick Facts

The grains and oilseeds sector brings in $20 billion in sales at the farm gate.
This industry generates over $18 billion in exports, almost half of all of Canada's agriculture and food exports.
This investment is being made through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, up to $341 million initiative under Growing Forward 2.
The CGC is an organization that represents the interests of the grain industry and works to help maximize market access for the export of Canadian grains, oilseeds, pulses and special crops. It also helps the grains and oilseeds industry to collaborate with other industry stakeholders on food safety, sustainability and transportation issues in order to develop a collective voice on the challenges and opportunities within Canada for the crops sector.

Quote

"Canada's grain industry is an important driver of the economy here in Saskatchewan and across Canada. With production on the rise, our government is proud to be able to work with the sector to find ways to boost exports by improving and expanding access to international markets."
– Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

"This support will play a critical role in ensuring the competitiveness of Canada's grains sector. Funding for international grain trade advocacy will enable the Canada Grains Council to continue representing its members' interests on international bodies navigating global grain trade issues and opportunities. Hand in hand, resources for the development of a cross-sector Sustainability Metrics Platform will allow our industry to demonstrate both its commitment to sustainable management practices and compliance with emerging marketplace requirements."
– President, Canada Grains Council, Tyler Bjornson

Additional links

Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
AgriMarketing Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Canada Grains Council

Contacts

Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Tyler Bjornson
President
Canada Grans Council
tyler.bjornson@newwestpublicaffairs.ca
613-818-1801

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Investing in Grain Sector to Increase Exports

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