Latest news with #HeathMacDonald
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Minister MacDonald concludes first trade mission to strengthen ties and promote Canadian agriculture and agri-food in the Indo-Pacific Français
OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 8, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has concluded a productive seven-day trade mission to Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Representatives from Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector joined the Minister for the mission to the region, which is already importing more than a quarter of Canada's total agricultural exports, and poised for much more. Canadian agricultural stakeholder groups who joined Minister MacDonald on the mission included: Cereals Canada; Soy Canada; Protein Industries Canada; Canada Beef; Pulse Canada; the Canadian Pork Council; and the Canadian Cattle Association. During the mission, Minister MacDonald met with senior government officials, industry leaders, importers and other key stakeholders to discuss boosting agricultural and agri-food trade, increased cooperation on research, innovation, food safety and technical expertise, and to promote the Canada Brand. In each country, the Minister convened meetings between industry representatives and local businesses and importers to discuss market trends, regulatory challenges, and opportunities for growth. He also attended World Food Expo, the largest agri-food and beverages trade show in the Philippines, and met with Canadian exhibitors. Key meetings included: Indonesia's Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman; Indonesia's Deputy for Food and Agriculture Coordination Ms. Widiastuti; ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn; Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and Environment Grace Fu Hai Yein; and, The Philippines' Secretary of Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. Minister MacDonald's mission underscores Canada's commitment to trade with reliable partners and growth across the Indo-Pacific region. Quotes "Our farmers and food processors work tirelessly to produce reliable, high-quality and safe food. Because of the reputation they've helped build, more countries are choosing our products, and we're absolutely focused on creating more opportunities for them by increasing and diversifying our exports, moving forward on new free trade agreements, and raising the profile of the Canada Brand worldwide, especially in areas like the Indo-Pacific." - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "The Indo-Pacific region represents one of Canada's most significant and fastest-growing markets for cereals. Canada has enjoyed long-standing trade partnerships with the countries in this region, and the Minister's presence underscores the importance of these relationships. The Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office provides boots-on-the-ground trade support to regulators and exporters, and helps to uphold Canada's reputation for clean, consistent cargos which our Indo-Pacific customers expect." - Dean Dias, Chief Executive Officer, Cereals Canada "I've seen Minister MacDonald show our customers and their governments that in a world of chaos, they can count on Canada. Meeting customers and their governments face to face and supporting the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office delivers what our customers need. With over 70% of our soybeans exported, including $1.5 billion to the Indo-Pacific each year, when we deliver value for customers, we deliver value for farmers and the entire soy value chain." - Brian Innes, Executive Director, Soy Canada "Our recent trip across the Indo-Pacific region with Minister MacDonald reaffirmed the importance of building strong, collaborative relationships with countries that share our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and food security. Canada's plant-based food and ingredient sector offers high-quality, sustainable protein options that meet the growing demand in the Indo-Pacific. By working with partners across the region, including through the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office, we can build lasting trade and business relationships that benefit both Canadians and Indo-Pacific consumers." - Robert Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Protein Industries Canada "The Indo-Pacific region represents a rapidly growing market for Canadian beef with tremendous potential for long-term trade partnerships. Minister MacDonald's trade mission demonstrates Canada's commitment to advancing Canadian agriculture through active engagement with key partners. Canada Beef appreciates the support of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila in building strategic relationships in the region. Reliable and predictable access along with a level playing field for Canadian beef in global markets are core to achieving a truly competitive landscape with our major competitors." - Eric Bienvenue, President, Canada Beef "The Indo-Pacific holds tremendous potential for Canada's pulse sector, which is why Pulse Canada was a leading advocate for the creation of the Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. Pulse Canada has been working for years to diversify markets in the Indo-Pacific and unlock new opportunities for Canadian pulse growers, processors, and exporters, and we are pleased to see the federal government placing a stronger focus on this region and aligning with industry efforts to build long-term, sustainable trade relationships." - Julianne Curran, Vice President, Market Innovation, Pulse Canada "We were thrilled to join the Minister for his first-ever visit to the ASEAN region. As a supporter of the Indo-Pacific Agricultural and Agri-Food Office and of diversifying our trading relationships, the Canadian Pork Council appreciated the wonderful conversations we had with local producers and buyers. We look forward to continuing these relationships as we help bring the world's best pork, Canadian pork, to markets around the world." - René Roy, Chair, Canadian Pork Council "It has been an honour to participate in my first international trip as President of the Canadian Cattle Association. The mission has provided excellent opportunities to grow relationships in three priority Southeast Asian markets along with the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Canadian beef producers appreciate every opportunity to diversify and gain new markets and opportunities for our nutritious and sustainable Canadian beef products. We are excited for the growth potential in the Indo-Pacific region at large, where Canadian beef is valued for our high-quality, safe product." - Tyler Fulton, President, Canadian Cattle Association Quick Facts The Indo-Pacific area includes 40 economies, over four billion people, and $47 trillion in economic activity. It's the world's fastest-growing region, and home to 11 of Canada's top 20 trading partners. Launched in 2022, Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy has committed to advancing five strategic objectives — from security and trade to sustainability and regional engagement. It reflects Canada's commitment to inclusive growth, a rules-based international order, and partnerships that create shared prosperity with Indo-Pacific economies. The Indo-Pacific is Canada's second-largest regional export market and trading partner. In 2024, Canada exported $22 billion worth of agriculture and agri-food products to the Indo-Pacific region, and it's a growing market. There are potential opportunities for Canada to grow its market share. Last year, agri-food and seafood exports represented nearly 29.6% of Canada's total merchandise exports to the Indo-Pacific region, being ranked as the largest sector for merchandise exports. On December 2, 2024, Canada and Indonesia signed a joint statement announcing the conclusion of negotiations for a Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and committed to sign the CEPA in 2025. Indonesia is a G20 country and Southeast Asia's largest economy. With a population of 279 million and GDP of close to $1.9 trillion in 2023, the Indonesian market holds significant potential for Canadian traders, investors, and service providers. Once concluded and in force, the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) will open new pathways for trade and investment between Canada and ASEAN member states, including the Philippines. For our agri-food sectors, it means expanded market access, reduced trade barriers, and a more predictable environment for businesses in Canada, the Philippines and our other ASEAN regional trading partners. Canada and the Philippines also launched exploratory discussions for a potential bilateral FTA that would build on the ACAFTA once in force, allowing for higher standards and the further elimination of tariffs and barriers to trade between Canada and the Philippines. World Food Expo (WOFEX) is the largest agri-food and beverages trade show in the Philippines. The four-day tradeshow attracts 51,000 visitors, including key agri-food stakeholders such as suppliers, importers, traders, distributors, retailers, food service operators, and the general public. In total there were 59 Canadian delegates from 33 companies, industry associations and provinces exhibiting this year at the expo. Additional Links Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Cereals Canada Soy Canada Protein Industries Canada Canada Beef Pulse Canada Canadian Pork Council Canadian Cattle Association ASEAN-Canada Free-Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Canada Brand Follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Contacts: For media: Annie Cullinan, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]
CBC
31-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Canada says Australia has re-opened market access for beef, beef products
Social Sharing Australia has lifted a 22-year-old ban on the import of Canadian beef and beef products, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said on Tuesday, a move that brings relief to farmers but is unlikely to spur major new sales. Australia imposed import restrictions on Canadian beef in 2003, following the discovery of Canada's first domestic case of mad cow disease. It lifted a similar ban on U.S. beef imports last week. Canada's government celebrated the long-awaited resumption of access to the Australian market. "With restored access to Australia, a key market in the Indo-Pacific, we can unlock more opportunities for our producers to deliver the top-quality beef we're known for," said federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald. WATCH | Canadian beef imports will no longer be banned in Australia for the first time in more than two decade: Canadian beef back on the menu in Australia after 22-year ban 12 hours ago Australia has lifted its ban on imports of Canadian beef products, a trade restriction introduced in 2003 when an Alberta-born cow first tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy or mad cow disease. Analysts are skeptical about how much North American beef can be exported to Australia because the U.S. has a major deficit and is importing beef from Australia, Canada and other suppliers. "U.S. beef is still very highly priced compared to Australian beef," said Resilient Capital analyst Jerry Klassen. "North American beef is really the highest-priced in the world." The Canadian Cattle Association, which represents farmers and feedlots that raise cattle, celebrated the Australian market reopening, saying in a news release it was one of the last remaining countries to have maintained mad cow disease restrictions on Canadian beef. Canada's cattle ranchers were devastated by the 2003 restrictions placed upon Canadian beef exports because much of the country's beef production is exported, especially to the U.S. Ranchers celebrating market opening Beef producers in Canada are celebrating the decision, even among cattle ranchers like Charlie Christie, who won't be directly sending his products to Australia. "Any time you take more beef in a market, you're affecting everybody. So it'll raise all boats so to speak," said Christie. "When you're taking beef out of the supply chain and sending it elsewhere, that opens up opportunity for all other types of production as well." Christie added that any good news for the industry gives him optimism for the future of his business. While the ripple effect of the Australian market opening up may not mean dramatic improvements for Canada's beef industry, Canadian Cattle Association general manager Ryder Lee said it's still a positive sign.
Vancouver Sun
30-07-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Australia lifts 22-year ban on Canadian beef after herds declared free of 'mad cow disease'
The Australian market for Canadian beef has reopened after that country lifted a 22-year-old ban on Canada's beef products, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Australia lifted a similar ban on U.S. beef imports last week, according to Reuters News Agency. Regaining access to the Australian market offers economic potential for Canadian farmers and processors, says the CFIA. 'By opening access to premium markets like Australia, Canadian producers can increase exports, generating new revenue streams.' The door to the Australian market was closed in 2003, due to the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada. Commonly known as 'mad cow disease,' BSE is fatal among beef herds and has been linked to Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, when consumed. That disease is also fatal, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control . Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'The first North American BSE case was reported in 1993 in a cow imported into Canada from the UK,' says the CDC. It 'may have been responsible for 19 additional Canadian BSE cases beginning in 2003.' Six BSE cases in cows in the United States were also identified back then. One was a Canadian import thought to have been infected in Canada, says the CDC. However, i n 2021, Canada was officially recognized by the World Organisation of Animal Health as having negligible risk for BSE. The Canadian Cattle Association celebrated the news. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the association said it 'i s pleased to see Australia, one of the last remaining countries to have maintained bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) restrictions, complete their risk assessment and open their market for Canadian beef.' CCA President Tyler Fulton was quoted as saying: 'Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are proud to produce the highest quality and safest beef in the world. As the demand for Canadian beef around the world continues to grow, we look forward to every new market opportunity.' 'Canada is known around the world for producing top-quality beef,' says Heath MacDonald , Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 'Strengthening our trade ties with Australia—one of our key partners in the Indo-Pacific — means more opportunities for Canadian farmers and processors to grow their businesses, create good jobs, and build up our economy.' As of 2024, says the CFIA, Canada ranked 8 th among global beef exporters. Canadian exports of agriculture and agri-food (not including fish and seafood) was $92.2 billion in 2024. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
30-07-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Australia lifts 22-year ban on Canadian beef after herds declared free of 'mad cow disease'
Article content The Australian market for Canadian beef has reopened after that country lifted a 22-year-old ban on Canada's beef products, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Article content Article content Regaining access to the Australian market offers economic potential for Canadian farmers and processors, says the CFIA. 'By opening access to premium markets like Australia, Canadian producers can increase exports, generating new revenue streams.' Article content Article content The door to the Australian market was closed in 2003, due to the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada. Commonly known as 'mad cow disease,' BSE is fatal among beef herds and has been linked to Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, when consumed. That disease is also fatal, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control. Article content Article content The Canadian Cattle Association celebrated the news. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the association said it 'is pleased to see Australia, one of the last remaining countries to have maintained bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) restrictions, complete their risk assessment and open their market for Canadian beef.' Article content Article content CCA President Tyler Fulton was quoted as saying: 'Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are proud to produce the highest quality and safest beef in the world. As the demand for Canadian beef around the world continues to grow, we look forward to every new market opportunity.' Article content Article content 'Canada is known around the world for producing top-quality beef,' says Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 'Strengthening our trade ties with Australia—one of our key partners in the Indo-Pacific — means more opportunities for Canadian farmers and processors to grow their businesses, create good jobs, and build up our economy.' Article content Article content
Edmonton Journal
30-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Australia lifts 22-year ban on Canadian beef after herds declared free of 'mad cow disease'
Article content The Australian market for Canadian beef has reopened after that country lifted a 22-year-old ban on Canada's beef products, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Article content Article content Regaining access to the Australian market offers economic potential for Canadian farmers and processors, says the CFIA. 'By opening access to premium markets like Australia, Canadian producers can increase exports, generating new revenue streams.' Article content Article content The door to the Australian market was closed in 2003, due to the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada. Commonly known as 'mad cow disease,' BSE is fatal among beef herds and has been linked to Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans, when consumed. That disease is also fatal, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control. Article content Article content The Canadian Cattle Association celebrated the news. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the association said it 'is pleased to see Australia, one of the last remaining countries to have maintained bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) restrictions, complete their risk assessment and open their market for Canadian beef.' Article content Article content CCA President Tyler Fulton was quoted as saying: 'Canadian beef farmers and ranchers are proud to produce the highest quality and safest beef in the world. As the demand for Canadian beef around the world continues to grow, we look forward to every new market opportunity.' Article content Article content 'Canada is known around the world for producing top-quality beef,' says Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 'Strengthening our trade ties with Australia—one of our key partners in the Indo-Pacific — means more opportunities for Canadian farmers and processors to grow their businesses, create good jobs, and build up our economy.' Article content Article content
