By Alice McFarlane

Federal ag minister concludes trip to China

Nov 19, 2024 | 4:31 PM

Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay has returned to Canada after a one-week mission to China.

MacAulay and his delegation travelled to Beijing where they met with Chinese industry leaders, importers, and Canadian officials to advocate for improved commercial opportunities for Canadian farmers, processors and exporters.

He said they were there to reinforce Canada’s commitment to exploring ways to support fair competition, a level playing field for businesses, and more open, sustainable and inclusive trade.

“Canada has the best products in the world and it’s my job to promote them,” he said. “This was my sixth trade mission to China over two terms as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and I am always proud to help showcase our delicious, high-quality, sustainable foods, while advocating for our trading relationship to be fair and beneficial to our hardworking producers.”

Throughout the visit, MacAulay expressed his concern over China’s unfair initiation of an anti-dumping investigation on imports of canola seed from Canada. He pressed for the full restoration of market access for Canadian beef and dry pet food containing poultry ingredients. He also noted China’s delays with its approval process for Canada’s other market access requests.

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He also shared Canada’s views on achieving more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, while reaffirming that Canada stands ready to work with China to enhance their agricultural trading relationship.

MacAulay was joined by Chris White, President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council and Canada Pork and Stephen Heckbert, Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council during his visit.

A Canadian Meat Advocacy Office will be based in Beijing with the office being supported by a federal investment of up to $223,850 over two years through the AgriMarketing program and will allow the sector to have an on-site presence in China and work with locals to secure access for Canadian red meat products.

MacAulay was the keynote speaker at the Canada China Business Council Annual General Meeting and Business Forum, where he acknowledged the Council as a leading voice in helping to grow the trade relationship between the two countries and how the Canada Brand program helps distinguish the quality, innovation, sustainability and diversity of Canadian products, giving our exporters a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

He also visited the MARS Global Food Safety Centre, a company with operations in Canada and China, and had an opportunity to learn more about their work in food safety research and collaboration with government, academia, regulators, and competitors in the industry.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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