Minister MacAulay Takes Part in World Food Day

OTTAWA, Oct. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada is working with our international partners towards a world where all life can thrive.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the implementation of the Global Goals contained within the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the importance of investing in sustainable rural development and agriculture. 

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, joined His Holiness Pope Francis and the G7 Agriculture Ministers at the thirty-seventh World Food Day. He spoke to the theme of World Food Day – "Changing the future of migration" – where he highlighted the importance of supporting farmers to improve livelihoods in rural areas and communities impacted by migration.

The Minister underscored the role Canada is playing in support of farmers around the world, and the challenges migrants face in the agriculture sector. He stressed the importance of creating opportunities for agricultural development in areas affected by migration. This includes helping farmers develop, innovate and increase their yields, supporting fair and open trade, and empowering women and girls who contribute to the agricultural sector in areas impacted by migration such as Africa and Asia.

Today caps off a successful agricultural trade mission to Europe, during which the Minister promoted Canadian food to Europeans and the world at the world's largest food and beverage trade show, ANUGA. Minister MacAulay then travelled to Belgium and Italy, where he met with senior European Union (EU) officials to help ensure Canadian exporters get the most out of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) which entered into force provisionally on September 21, 2017. At the G7 Agriculture Ministers' meeting, he underscored the importance of Canada's role in addressing the global migration crisis.

Quote

"I am pleased to participate in World Food Day events and reiterate the Government of Canada's commitment to sustainable development. Canada believes this year's theme, "Changing the future of migration," can be addressed by supporting farmers. Agricultural development can help address rural poverty, strengthen food security, and provide jobs in rural communities. Ensuring that global trade doors remain open while supporting innovative agriculture can improve the viability of farming in areas affected by migration, and can provide stability for farmers, their families, and their local communities."
-       Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick facts

• The World Food Day aims to promote awareness and action regarding world food hunger and the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all.
• According to the Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations (FAO), 815 million people around the world are undernourished.
• The FAO further reports that global trade in food has grown almost threefold in value over the past decade, and rates of growth are projected to continue to rise. The world will need to produce 60 percent more food by 2050 to feed a growing population.
• In 2016, Canada's international development assistance included more than $25 million to help developing countries build capacity in trade policy, trade facilitation, and to participate in negotiations. Nearly $580 million were invested to support food security and nutrition in many countries, including $291 million for agriculture and fishing, and $91 million for basic nutrition.
• In 2017, the Government of Canada announced a new Feminist International Assistance Policy that will invest in climate smart agriculture, and support the empowerment of women in developing countries – many of whom rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

Additional Links

• Minister MacAulay wraps up successful G7 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting
• CETA Opens Doors for Canadian Farmers and Food Processors at Major European Trade Show
• Minister MacAulay Heads Trade Mission to Europe
• World Food Day 2017

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada