Agriculture Value Chain Organizations Call for the Establishment of an Indo-Pacific Diversification Office

Ottawa – ON – Today in Ottawa representatives from Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada, and Pulse Canada are meeting with government decision makers about the establishment of a diversification office in the Indo-Pacific region.

A newly released joint-commissioned report outlines why Canada must take bold, innovative and strategic steps to secure its agricultural export growth, diversification and competitiveness in a key export region. A key pillar of the report is the creation of a Canadian Indo-Pacific Diversification Office.

“Agriculture and improved market access must feature prominently in the government’s forthcoming Indo-Pacific Strategy,” said Jim Everson, Canola Council of Canada president. “A dedicated and multi-disciplinary Indo-Pacific Diversification Office will position Canada for long-term success in the region as we look to export high-quality and sustainable products to a fast-growing consumer base.”

The rise of non-tariff barriers is preventing Canada from achieving its full potential in the region. The establishment of this office will allow issues to be addressed in a timely manner, giving Canada’s agriculture industry a strong, competitive advantage over its international competitors.

“Market access and trade issues impact the entire value chain, including Canadian farmers,” said Dean Dias, Cereals Canada chief executive officer. “A stronger and focused presence in this fast-growing region will support the collaborative advancement of conditions for Canadian exports.”

The representatives are also communicating directly to Parliamentarians during an appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade.

“Our collective message to legislators and government officials is clear: it’s time to open a trade diversification office in the Indo-Pacific,” said Greg Cherewyk, Pulse Canada president. “Our organizations are ready to work with the federal government to establish this office and ensure it is set up to bring increased success for Canadian agriculture in this important region.”

The Canola Council of Canada, Cereals Canada, and Pulse Canada represent the largest crop value chains in Canadian agriculture, representing over $45 billion in economic activity annually, supporting over 250,000 jobs, and accounting for over 77% of all principal field crop production in Canada.

To read the report and its recommendations go to www.growindopacific.ca

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