India mission unlocks trade opportunities
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier, along with a number of Alberta businesses and producers, met with scores of potential Indian investors, traders and government leaders during a seven-day trade mission to India.
The anchor event for the trip was the international Pulses Conclave in Delhi, where Minister Carlier delivered a keynote address to 1,500 international delegates. The address highlighted the robust and mutually beneficial relationship between Alberta and India.
“The opportunities in India are immense and our Alberta products are desired by emerging markets. We have a reputation for safe, world-class food and ingredients. Our government’s work to increase market access for prime agricultural products is key to furthering our efforts in diversifying our economy, creating jobs and keeping our family farms sustainable.”
Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
Part of the mission focused on advocating for Alberta’s pulse producers to address trade issues, such as fumigation of pulses and tariffs on peas.
“Clearing the way for increased international market access is crucial for the continued success of our industry. Our industry needs predictability and we appreciate the government communicating our trade concerns to their counterparts in India and to the country’s business community.”
Rodney Volk, Alberta Pulse Growers
The team met with a number of senior business executives, chamber of commerce members, retailers and importers, who provided insight into business expansion opportunities available for Alberta producers of pulses and canola.
“Alberta’s world-renowned canola makes the healthiest vegetable oil. Given that India is among the world’s top three importers of edible oils in the world, Alberta is ready to tap into that market.”
Ward Toma, executive director, Alberta Canola
As part of the mission, Minister Carlier signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation on Agriculture and Animal Husbandry with the Government of Meghalaya.
Other highlights of the mission include: • Meeting with the Indian Union Minister for Food Processing to discuss trade opportunities and issues including fumigation of pulses and tariffs on peas.
• Meeting with a pork production company and a senior representative of the State of West Bengal to discuss the need for animal genetics, water infrastructure and geomatics expertise and technologies from Alberta and Canada.
• Minister Carlier’s address at Agro Protech, a local conference for farmers, researchers and industry professionals to help them learn about the latest trends, technologies and public policies in India’s agriculture sector.
• A pork promotion event at the High Commission of Canada, where Albertaraised-and-
processed pork products were served to potential exporters
Last year, Alberta’s agriculture trade with India was worth about $82 million. India represents Alberta’s largest export market for pulses and is also a major market for canola meal, lentils and malt.