Pork is a popular topic at the Iowa State Fair as hungry patrons mow down on barbecue and curious children gaze with wide eyes at the state’s biggest pig.
But the 11-day fair in Des Moines has also proven an important opportunity for Canadians to make their case at a time of tumult in the Canada-U.S. relationship.
“Sometimes you just need to remind people in Iowa that that relationship is really beneficial for them,” said Rick Préjet, chair of Manitoba Pork, at the state fair on Friday.
Préjet and Manitoba Pork general manager Cam Dahl were among a Manitoba-led Canadian delegation to the fair who met with local politicians and industry groups, including the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
“We are taking our message directly to where our priority stakeholders are,” said Richard Madan, Manitoba’s senior representative to the United States.
“Meeting face-to-face is essential to strengthen relationships, build trust and deepen understanding.”
Canada’s Ambassador to the United States Mark Wiseman took park in the traditional pork chop flip — which was successful on the second try — and stood for photos with the Iowa Pork Queen Saturday afternoon.
Click here to see more...