November 25, 2013
Canada, British Columbia launch programme to promote agri-foods export
Canadian and British Columbian (B.C.) governments are supporting B.C. agri-foods producers to export to international marketplaces through a new programme under the Growing Forward 2 agreement.
The CAD4.3 million (US$4.1 million) B.C. Agrifoods Export Programme provides matching funds to support industry participation at international tradeshows, promotional events, incoming and outgoing trade missions, and to develop marketing materials for international audiences.
"By investing in this programme, the Government of Canada is helping to create a stronger agriculture industry and Canadian economy," said the Honourable Kerry Lynne Findlay, on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "These investments will assist B.C. agri-food producers and processors to take full advantage of new opportunities that the government is creating through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the EU and other agreements."
"There is always going to be demand for high-quality and trusted food, and B.C. products have that reputation locally and overseas," said Andrew Wilkinson, B.C. Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services, on behalf of B.C. Agriculture Minister Pat Pimm. "With this investment, the B.C. government is helping local food producers to expand and succeed in new markets, and that means more sales for B.C. farmers and more jobs in B.C.'s agri-food sector."
The programme aims to build on the CAD2.5 billion (US$2.4 billion) of agrifood products B.C. exports to over 130 countries annually by supporting B.C. producers, businesses and associations to promote their products to international buyers.
"It is always good news when resources are made available to help grow industry activities," Dave Eto, Chair of the BC Food Processors Association said. "We have a huge diversity of innovative local products that need to find international markets. This programme should help our industry to access these markets, grow our economy and create additional jobs for British Columbians."
"Seafood accounts for almost CAD1 billion (US$947 million) of the CAD2.5 billion (US$2.4 billion) in agri-food exports so we are pleased that British Columbia and Canada will work with our exporters to increase that value," said BC Seafood Alliance Executive Director Christina Burridge."
Other Growing Forward 2 efforts to support B.C.'s agriculture, food and seafood sectors to develop and expand their export markets over the next five years include: support for the promotion of B.C. food products at key international trade shows; hosting of export market readiness seminars to help B.C.'s agriculture, food and seafood sectors understand emerging opportunities in key export markets. The seminars will be held by April 2014 and provide information to enhance industry's understanding of market opportunities and development of successful international marketing strategies.
These initiatives support B.C. food producers throughout the export cycle, from market research and preparation, to the development of trade show materials, and access to new customers through trade missions and shows.
The Growing Forward 2 agreement (2013-18) is a CAD3 billion (US$2.8 billion) investment in innovation, competitiveness and market development, which includes CAD2 billion (US$1.9 billion) cost-shared on a 60:40 basis for programmes delivered by provinces and territories (a 50% increase in cost-shared funding), as well as CAD1 billion (US$947 million) for federal-only strategic initiatives.
