Released on September 24, 2013
Today, at the Tri-National Accord meeting in Saskatoon, Premier Brad Wall announced the province will host an Agriculture Trade Summit on February 4-5, 2014.
“Our Saskatchewan Plan for Growth includes a goal to increase agri-food exports to $15 billion by 2020 – after already surpassing more than $11 billion for the first time in 2012,” Wall said. “Obviously trade is vital to our growing economy, and agriculture is a big driver of our increase in exports. The Agriculture Trade Summit will bring together key players in trade and agriculture so Saskatchewan can remain at the forefront and capitalize on new opportunities in current and emerging world markets.”
The summit, to be held in Saskatoon, will bring together producers, businesses, trade experts, industry and government officials to discuss international trade, market access and how to increase Saskatchewan’s agriculture exports.
Delegates will hear from international trade commissioners about the opportunities and challenges of doing business around the world. Presentations and discussions will address Canada’s trade negotiating efforts and policies, industry perspectives on best practices for exporting and importing, and will provide a venue for Canadian trade officials to learn what Saskatchewan has to offer in key markets.
“Saskatchewan is already a leading agri-food supplier to the world and we believe there is room to grow,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. “As the global population continues to increase, Saskatchewan will be relied on even more to help feed the world."
Agriculture is responsible for more than one-third of Saskatchewan’s export earnings. The province was the nation’s top agri-food exporter last year, exporting more than $11 billion in agri-food products, an increase of nine per cent over 2011. Saskatchewan crops are sold around the globe, with the industry exporting more than $100 million worth of agricultural products to each of 18 countries.
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For more information, contact:
Angela Hall
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: angela.hall@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521