Growing Canadian exports is a key focus for the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture office

Jun 09, 2023

This week Ottawa announced that the Philippines will be the official location for the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office.

The office to be located in Manilla is a joint venture between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Canadian Cattle Association President Nathan Phinney says cattle producers are encouraged to see the progress in establishing the new office and look forward to seeing it enhance market access opportunities in the region.

“Following the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), we’ve seen the tremendous growth potential in the Indo-Pacific region for Canadian beef exports—we are excited for future export growth opportunities in the region.”

About 20 per cent of Canada’s beef exports are destined for the Indo-Pacific market, with the top five markets being Japan, Mainland China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

The CCA notes the economies in the Indo-Pacific region with the highest beef export growth potential include Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

The Vietnam market for Canadian beef has been growing fast from $8 million CDN in 2019 to $129 million CDN in 2022.

Meantime, Canadian beef exports to the Philippines grew from $5 million CDN in 2020 to $13 million CDN in 2022.

Canada says the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office will focus on advancing mutual trade objectives for the sector through a mobile team that will work directly with Canadian diplomatic missions, Canadian stakeholders, foreign interlocutors, and decision-makers.

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau says the Philippines is an important partner under the Indo-Pacific Strategy.

"Hosting this new Office is an opportunity to build on our economic relationship, and enrich people-to-people ties. Our Government will continue to help Canadian farmers, food processors, and exporters maximize their opportunities, and diversify their markets in the world’s fastest-growing economic zone."

In 2022, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific region totalled $21.8 billion.

Stats show that our agriculture and agri-food exports to the region increased by nearly 7% from 2018 to 2022, while our imports from the region have grown by nearly 9%.

Global agrifood and seafood imports into ASEAN markets have increased by 177% from 2012 to 2022 (from CA$72 billion to CA$200 billion).

Canada has trade agreements in force with several key markets in the Indo-Pacific region, including South Korea under the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA), and with Australia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Source : Pembinavalley online

Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.