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AAFC invests $2.7M to develop agriculture and agri-food export markets

June 13, 2022  By Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada


On June 9, Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal minister of agriculture and agri-food, announced an investment of up to $2,731,384 over two years for Group Export Agri-Food Québec-Canada to help Canadian exporters increase the value of agriculture and agri-food exports.

With funding under the AgriMarketing Program, the organization will undertake market development activities to meet the needs of Canadian food exporters, from those just starting out to more experienced exporters who want to consolidate their markets or discover potential markets that will increase the value of agri-food exports internationally.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises in the food processing sector are an essential part of the vitality and economy of rural communities,” Bibeau said. “With this investment, Group Export Agri-Food Québec-Canada will help our entrepreneurs increase awareness of their products around the world and build sustainable growth for our exports through more diversified markets.”

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Group Export Agri-Food Québec-Canada will use trade shows, exploratory missions and business meetings to help exporters establish contacts with potential buyers and build business partnerships and sales. With a total of 14 free trade agreements with 51 countries, Canada has a broad and growing global trade network that gives Canadian agri-food businesses preferred access in order to seize opportunities on a global market scale.

“Such investments make it possible to set up several activities, including some thirty outside Canada each year,” said Martin Lavoie, CEO of Group Export Agri-Food Québec-Canada. “This show of confidence from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada allows us to support hundreds of exporters in achieving their export goals, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.”

Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports have continued to increase despite sector challenges, reaching over $82 billion in 2021 and surpassing a previous target to grow agri-food exports to at least $75 billion by 2025. The success of Canadian agriculture depends heavily on our ability to export to the world, which is why gaining access to global markets and expanding trading relationships with some of the world’s largest economies remains a top priority for the government.


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