Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay is leading a trade mission to Germany, Belgium and Italy from October 7 to 17, 2017.

With the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provisionally applied, the Minister will be in Europe with Canadian industry leaders to build new market access into the EU for Canada's key agricultural product exports, such as beef, pork, grains, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, and processed products.

"CETA will expand our agri-food trade with Europe, by providing comprehensive duty-free access. It will create a united market of 35 million Canadians and 500 million Europeans," said MacAulay. "This historic agreement will encourage investment, open markets, and help hard-working farm families be more competitive around the world."

In Germany, Minister MacAulay will participate in ANUGA, the world's largest food and beverage trade show, where Canada's agricultural sector will be showcasing Canadian goods and promoting CETA's export opportunities. In Belgium, Minister MacAulay will hold bilateral meetings with senior EU representatives, host meetings with key European industry stakeholders, and tour the Port of Antwerp, a gateway into the EU for Canadian agriculture products. In Italy, the Minister will attend the G7 Agriculture Ministers' meetings and attend World Food Day events in Rome with His Holiness Pope Francis.

CETA entered into provisional application on Sept. 21, 2017.