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Saskatchewan to host agriculture trade summit in 2014

Sept. 24, 2013, Saskatoon, SK - Saskatchewan will host an Agriculture Trade Summit on February 4-5, 2014, it was announced today.

The summit, to be held in Saskatoon, will bring together producers, businesses, trade experts, industry and government officials to discuss international trade, market access and how to increase Saskatchewan's agriculture exports.

"Our Saskatchewan Plan for Growth includes a goal to increase agri-food exports to $15 billion by 2020 – after already surpassing more than $11 billion for the first time in 2012," said Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall in a news release. "Obviously trade is vital to our growing economy, and agriculture is a big driver of our increase in exports. The Agriculture Trade Summit will bring together key players in trade and agriculture so Saskatchewan can remain at the forefront and capitalize on new opportunities in current and emerging world markets."

Delegates will hear from international trade commissioners about the opportunities and challenges of doing business around the world. Presentations and discussions will address Canada's trade negotiating efforts and policies, industry perspectives on best practices for exporting and importing, and will provide a venue for Canadian trade officials to learn what Saskatchewan has to offer in key markets.

Agriculture is responsible for more than one-third of Saskatchewan's export earnings. The province was the nation's top agri-food exporter last year, exporting more than $11 billion in agri-food products, an increase of nine per cent over 2011. Saskatchewan crops are sold around the globe, with the industry exporting more than $100 million worth of agricultural products to each of 18 countries.

September 24, 2013  By Top Crop Manager