| The Government of Canada Helps Promote Canadian Agriculture to the World |
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The Government of Canada is contributing $150,000 to the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) to help promote Canadian livestock genetics, agricultural products, services and technology. This year, the 39th edition of the Canadian Western Agribition takes place from November 21st to November 28th, in Regina, Saskatchewan. "This Government is putting farmers first by creating new market opportunities at home and around the world," said Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "The CWA is an excellent forum to do business and gain international exposure for our top quality agricultural products, genetics and technology." CWA is a world-class purebred beef show with a strong sales program providing a marketplace to showcase the export capacity of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector and draw buyers from around the world. In 2008, CWA attracted 142,500 visitors and sales totaled $2.2 million. The AgriMarketing contribution funds CWA's International Business Centre (IBC). The centre showcases product and facilitates meetings between international buyers and Canadian exporters. This year, the IBC has increased the number of livestock breed presentations to attract more business from international buyers. Buyers from more than 49 countries are registered to visit the CWA including delegations from the United Kingdom, Australia, Finland, Russia, Mexico, Norway, Ukraine, and fourteen U.S. states. "The funding provided by the AgriMarketing program is crucial to our ongoing commitment to bring the very best Canada has to the world," said CWA CEO Jason R. Pollock. The AgriMarketing program is helping producers and processors increase exports of Canada's safe, high-quality products around the world. The program provides funding to implement long-term international strategies such as international market development, brand building and industry-to-industry trade advocacy. |
