Canadian Ag Minister Takes NAFTA Message to New Orleans
CANADA & US - Canada's Minister of Agriculture took his message of the value of the North American Free Trade Agreement to New Orleans last week, writes Bruce Cochrane.
18 September 2017
2 minute read
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Canada's Agriculture Minister travelled to New Orleans last week where he delivered a keynote address to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and met with key state agricultural officials.
Lawrence MacAulay says Canada and the United States benefit from a strong, integrated and balanced agricultural trading partnership that delivers high-quality foods and supports millions of jobs on both sides of our border.
Lawrence MacAulay-Canada-Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada's trading relationship with the United States is strong and growing.
That's why so far this year I've made five trips to the United States to meet with officials in key agricultural states.
It's so important to meet with our partners face to face and to look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
My key message is that the government of Canada is committed to working with the United States to strengthen our relationship for the good of our businesses, jobs, citizens and economies.
I reminded our Canadian friends just how vital our trading partnership is to both of our economies.
Canada is the largest trading partner for 29 states across the US.
In total our nation traded 62 billion dollars in agriculture and agri-food products last year.
That number is growing every year and we are here in New Orleans to keep it strong and growing.
This morning I had an amazing tour of the Port of New Orleans which is part of the largest port system in the world.
It's a huge gateway for agricultural goods and they have a strong partnership with Canadian National Rail.
Over the past 23 years the agreement has helped to quadruple our agricultural trade to over a quarter of a trillion dollars.
Mr MacAulay says the common goal is to continue to keep the two countries' industries strong, competitive and prosperous while meeting the needs of their consumers.
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