This week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, concluded his mission to Europe, which included discussions at the G7 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and meetings with key political and industry leaders to promote opportunities for increased market access, investment, and partnership in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.
Canada and the European Union (EU) remain closely aligned on many strategic objectives, including food security, sustainable agriculture, resilient supply chains, and rules-based regulatory approaches.
Beginning in Brussels, the Minister advocated for Canadian interests with political leaders in the European Commission and the European Parliament. These meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views, advance Canada's trade interests in agriculture, and find opportunities for increased cooperation.
Also in Brussels, Minister MacDonald led a roundtable discussion with Canadian grain and oilseed industry representatives, including Cereals Canada, Pulse Canada, and the Canola Council of Canada, together with European importers and stakeholders, on shared trade and regulatory priorities and opportunities for advancing bilateral trade.
At the G7 AMM in France, Minister MacDonald discussed medium- and long-term solutions to strengthen the resilience of agri-food systems, promoted Canadian agricultural and agri-food products, strengthened bilateral relationships, and explored opportunities of mutual interest. Ministers at the meeting discussed ways to help farmers cope with challenges related to fertilizers, including the efficient use of fertilizers, nutrient cycle management and agricultural practices that promote soil health.
Minister MacDonald announced additional Canadian funding to the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) - a multi-country effort seeking to improve global food security with improved market transparency. AMIS assesses global food supplies and provides a platform to coordinate policy action in times of market uncertainty.
During the G7 AMM, Minister MacDonald had the opportunity to meet with ministers and other officials from G7 member nations. These included: host Annie Genevard, France's Minister of Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Sovereignty; Alois Rainer, Germany's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Community; Mr. Hiroo Kotera, Japan's State Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; and Christophe Hansen, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. Minister MacDonald discussed the need to deepen cooperation and to work collaboratively on shared priorities in an evolving Canada-EU partnership.
The Minister also attended SIAL Paris, where he opened the Canada Pavilion which showcased more than 45 Canadian companies. SIAL Paris is one of the world's largest food and beverage tradeshows and is widely recognized for driving innovation and trends in food processing.
