| | October 29, 2009
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Advances in livestock traceability a key topic of discussion
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Edmonton... Promoting Alberta’s agriculture and food industry and increasing market access for beef will be the focus of a Government of Alberta mission to Asia, November 7 to 15.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, George Groeneveld, will meet with key government officials and industry leaders to advance trade opportunities in Japan and Hong Kong. Both destinations are high priority markets for Alberta’s agriculture and food products.
“Since our last mission to Asia, we have made significant progress on implementing Alberta’s livestock traceability programs,” said Groeneveld. “Our international customers have indicated the value of traceability in their markets, and we are delivering on that important market demand.”
Through meetings and other discussions, Groeneveld will promote a variety of agricultural trade and investment opportunities – from expanding food processing to exploring collaboration on agriculture science and technology. In addition to highlighting Alberta’s beef industry, the Minister will take this opportunity to promote the safety and quality of all Alberta agri-food products. Products that are of key interest to the Asian market include pork, canola, honey, and barley for the malt industry.
The mission to Asia will help to build a more competitive and successful provincial agriculture and food industry that contributes to Alberta’s economy and enhances rural development.
The Government of Alberta has a clear plan for a strong economic recovery. The Way Forward will bring Alberta back into a surplus position in three years by trimming government spending; using cash reserves to protect key programs; continuing to invest in public infrastructure; and ensuring that our province's industries are competitive and continue to attract investment to provide jobs and prosperity.
The total cost of the trip for Groeneveld and his Executive Assistant is estimated at $49,000, including travel, meals and accommodations.
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Backgrounder: Asia Mission Itinerary, Industry Highlights.
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Annalisa Baer, Bilateral and International Affairs
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
780 427- 4148
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000. | Ag Media Line
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
780-422-1005 |
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backgrounder
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October 29, 2009
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Mission Itinerary
Saturday, November 7 – Sunday, November 8
Travel to Tokyo, Japan
Monday, November 9 – Tokyo
· Briefing with Canadian Embassy
· Meetings with Japanese government agencies
· Deliver remarks at the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency dinner
Tuesday, November 10 – Tokyo
· Meeting with Japanese government
· Attend Canada Food Expo in Tokyo
Wednesday November 11 – Tokyo /Osaka
Travel to Osaka, Japan
· Attend Canada Food Expo in Osaka
· Participate in Canada Food Expo Luncheon
· Roundtable discussion with key industry leaders
· Industry Reception
Thursday, November 12 – Osaka /Hong Kong
Travel to Hong Kong
· Meeting with Hong Kong government
· Attend Canadian meat industry dinner
Friday, November 13 – Hong Kong
· Meetings with potential investors
Saturday, November 14
· Meeting with potential industry investor
Sunday, November 15
Travel to Edmonton
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This itinerary is tentative and subject to change.
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Agriculture Industry Highlights
Alberta’s agriculture industry is export-oriented
· According to a 2007 Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance study, over 97 percent of Alberta’s producers depend on exports.
· Alberta’s international agri-food exports were $8.1 billion in 2008.
· Alberta is the largest cattle-producing province in Canada, and accounts for nearly two-thirds of Canadian beef processing.
· As part of Alberta’s Livestock and Meat Strategy, the Alberta government, including the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA), and agriculture industry are working together to advance and expand market access in priority Asia markets.
· While Canada has regained access for beef in many markets since the BSE crisis, key Asian markets remain completely or partially closed, and industry and consumers in these markets are demanding traceability measures.
· Canada is now taking a staged approach to increase beef market access in Asia.
Alberta’s agriculture and food trade with Japan
· Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food exports to Japan totaled $1.2 billion in 2008. This included canola seed, pork, wheat, malt, hay and fodder, barley and beef.
· Beef exports to Japan were valued at $30.7 million in 2008.
· Canada’s market access for beef in Japan is currently limited to beef from animals under 21 months of age.
· Pork exports to Japan were valued at $170 million in 2008.
Alberta’s agriculture and food trade with Hong Kong
· Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food exports to Hong Kong in 2008 were valued at $64.9 million (14% of the Canadian total, which is $470.9 million). This included beef, crude canola oil, raw hides and skins, pork, crude animal products, wheat or meslin flour.
· Hong Kong is Alberta’s 4th largest export market for beef. In 2008 Alberta beef exports were valued at $27.8 million (82% of the Canadian total, which was $34 million).
· In January 2009, Canada and Hong Kong agreed to a staged opening of the Hong Kong market to all beef from Canada.
· Pork exports to Hong Kong were valued at $6.5 million in 2008.
Previous Asia Missions
Minister Groeneveld conducted a mission to Asia in 2007 to gain a better understanding of what these markets and consumers wanted for their livestock and meat products, and in 2008 embarked on a follow-up mission to introduce Alberta’s Livestock and Meat Strategy.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Annalisa Baer, Branch Head, Bilateral and International Affairs
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
780 427- 4148
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000. | Ag Media Line
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
780-422-1005 |
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