On Monday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of nearly $1.8 million for the Canadian Food Exporters Association (CFEA), over two years, to help open and maintain markets for Canadian exporters around the world and to facilitate the entry of numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into international markets.

“Small and medium sized producers contribute enormously to the economic prosperity of their local economies and communities. Our government recognizes the critical role they play, and we are committed to supporting them in pursuing new export opportunities. This investment will help Canadian products reach consumers across the world, while also providing valuable economic benefits here at home,” said Bibeau.

This investment will support the CFEA’s efforts to build relationships, create networks, identify opportunities and gain familiarity with potential new markets in more than 15 countries in Asia, Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East. 

Related activities will highlight Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada’s reputation for high-quality and safe food while creating opportunities for SMEs to showcase their products.

In 2021, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Canadian agriculture and food exports hit a new record of over $82 billion.