Today federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit announced up to $500,000 for Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) to support its work with international buyers and developing markets.
“Our government is committed to investing in essential market growth programs, like the Canadian Western Agribition’s Market Development Program, that help farmers promote Canadian beef around the world,” said MacAulay. “This program will help with beef and livestock market expansion and attract international business, which are both vitally important to the continued growth and prosperity of the Canadian agricultural sector.”
The agreement will see up to $100,000 provided annually for 2018-23. Agribition’s market development program goals include increasing registered international buyers at the show and conducting outgoing missions to high-value markets. The Canadian Western Agribition’s annual trade show brought in 365 international buyers in 2017 and attracted 1,250 international guests from 86 different countries.
“Canadian Western Agribition’s plan for growth aligns with the government’s own goals,” Marit said. “As an export-based province, this is an excellent investment for the future of agriculture in our province.”
Saskatchewan is one of Canada’s leading agri-food exporters with international sales of $13.6 billion in 2017, revenue accounting for 47 per cent of the province’s total exports.
“CWA is appreciative of the support and partnership we have with all levels government,” CWA President Bruce Holmquist said. “Market development and trade advocacy is not only a shared goal, it’s a priority for Agribition and our exhibitors. Today’s commitment means CWA will be able to continue to open doors for international trade for years to come.”
The federal-provincial funding is provided through the Product2Market: Industry Association program, which is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership suite of programs. The Product2Market program supports industry organizations to increase the domestic and international trade capacity for Saskatchewan agricultural products.
Source : Government of Saskatchewan