FREDERICTON – Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers of agriculture, including Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Ross Wetmore, reiterated their commitment to help Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector seize new opportunities and tackle important challenges to ensure businesses prosper and create economic growth. The ministers held their annual meeting July 18-19 in Quebec City.

Given the importance of exports to Canadian farmers and processors, ministers were unanimous in their support of international trade that is based on trade rules and science. They agreed to continue to work together to take advantage of new trade agreements with key markets.

The ministers committed to working with the industry to promote a modern and competitive sector. The collaboration depends heavily on the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which is now in its second year and represents a five-year $3-billion investment by the governments to strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.

“The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is important to New Brunswick,” said Wetmore. “New Brunswick sector development programs have been successful in helping smaller sectors develop. A great example is our Apple Industry Development Program, which supports opportunities to improve the profitability of producers though the establishment of more productive orchards and adoption of new technologies.”

The ministers ...