Ag Minister Has Good Meetings In Pacific Rim

Trade was the common topic for agriculture respresentatives during recent meetings in Japan and South Korea.

Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay wrapped up meetings this week with the two Pacific-Rim countries, saying it was a chance to highlight Canada as safe and reliable source of wheat, meat, and oilseeds. MacAulay also attended the G7 Agriculture Ministers' Meetings in Japan, where he says he had a chance to talk about the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal.

"At the G7 Japan was certainly committed to the TPP and it's fair to say they were keen to push the TPP and ratification of the TPP. I think every country seems to be in support of the TPP," he says.

MacAulay says during his time in Asia, he was able to meet bi-laterally with U.S. agriculture representatives, and they also expressed support for the massive, multi-lateral trade deal. However, MacAulay adds he explained to trading partners that Canada is still in the midst of consultation processes on the deal.