Canada’s grain farmers welcome new Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau
Industry offers thanks to outgoing Minister Lawrence MacAulay for his dedication
OTTAWA (March 4, 2019) – The members of Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) are pleased to welcome the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau as the new Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), replacing The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay who has moved to the Veteran’s Affairs portfolio.
“Grain farmers appreciate the positive relationship we’ve had with Minister MacAulay over the past three years”, said GGC Chair, Jeff Nielsen. “The Minister’s open door policy for the agriculture industry meant that we could collaborate for real change on behalf of farmers. We look forward to continuing our important work with Minister Bibeau going forward.”
GGC members were in Ottawa last week for National Grain Week where farmers kept the focus on realizing the recommendations outlined in the Economic Strategy Table Report on Agri-Food. Farmers met with a wide range of government representatives including AAFC to discuss a number of concrete actions that government and industry can take to make the sector more competitive, sustainable and innovative.
Among the recommendations outlined in the Report, GGC members are calling on government to work with industry to build: an agile regulatory system that moves at the speed of commerce, state of the art transportation and IT infrastructure, diverse and secure trade relationships, and solid investments in innovation. Realizing these deliverables will boost the competitiveness of agriculture and the Canadian economy as a whole and GGC looks forward to meeting with Minister Bibeau in the coming days to discuss these opportunities.
“I always remind government that agriculture is a good news story in Canada,” continued Mr. Nielsen. “Our industry’s growth potential is immense and, working with government, we can achieve the Report’s target of $85 billion in agri-food exports by 2025.”
About Grain Growers of Canada
GGC provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 provincial, regional and national grower groups. As a farmer-driven association, GGC advocates for the federal government to take decisions that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.
Media Contact:
Lindsey Ehman
Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
(o): 613-233-9954 ext. 202
(c): 613-222-2726
(e): lehman@ggc-pgc.ca