SACPA to discuss ag trade expansion

The Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs first session of the New Year on Thursday will discuss the vast potential for the expansion of Canadian agricultural trade.

Guest speakers Carlo Dade of the Trade and Investment Centre and Sharon Sun of the Canada West Foundation will share their insights via SACPA’s YouTube livestream session starting at 10 a.m.

Canada has traditionally been a major exporter of agricultural commodities, technology, equipment and food. Yet, in many ways, Canada’s position in global food exports indicates potential for growth. In 2019, Canada ranked fifth among global commodity exporters and 11th in food.

As the world’s population expands and especially the portion of it that is “middle class” grows, demand for better quality and higher-priced food will climb. This, in turn, creates opportunities for Canada to increase exports to meet this need directly as well as the technology and equipment needs for others who will also be increasing production to satisfy increased demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the global food industry and highlighted the importance of a robust agri-food supply chain at home and abroad. Canada’s competitive advantage in agriculture and food production is very relevant with abundant natural resources, productivity, innovative entrepreneurs and a well-established food safety reputation.

The Canadian government’s 2017 objective for agricultural commodities and food exports is to reach C$75 billion by 2025.

So far, exports have increased from $61 billion in 2015 to $67 billion in 2019, with most of the growth driven by exports to the US. The speaker will argue there s great potential for growth in agri-food exports to other countries beyond the US and particularly to China and South-East Asia.

For further information on this session visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca.