Canada's International Strategy

The world's markets are hungry for Canadian agricultural and food products. In fact, Canada exports more than $26 billion worth of food products every year to more than 175 countries around the world. Exports represent half of all the products farmers grow and harvest on Canadian farms, either directly as primary products or indirectly as processed products. This makes Canada the world's third-largest exporter of agricultural products.

As global competition intensifies, however, Canada must continually innovate to stay ahead of its competitors in meeting market demands. Through the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF), Canada is building on its existing reputation as a premium food supplier, giving customers around the world even more reason to buy Canadian products.

The goal of the international strategy is to use the APF initiatives introduced at home to maximize the global-market opportunities for the Canadian agriculture and food sector. That's why Canada takes every opportunity to advance the sector's interests, including international trade negotiations, and that's why Canada makes its position known concerning trade-distorting barriers such as tariffs and import restrictions.

By enhancing its international success, Canada will ensure that its agriculture and food sector continues to grow and prosper, and that Canada's economy becomes even stronger. As part of this approach, the international strategy focuses on branding and building recognition, improving market access, and overcoming technical barriers to trade.