“Canadian pork is the best in the world!” That’s the message sent by Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture) Jean-Pierre Blackburn throughout his visit to the ANUGA trade fair currently being held in Cologne,Germany.
“I’m here to support the Canadian hog industry and to promote the excellence of our pork products to importers around the world,” said the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn. While visiting the Canada Pork International pavilion and its approximately 25 exhibitors, Minister Blackburn was delighted with the outstanding showcase presenting the quality and innovation of Canada’s hog industry to the 160,000 visitors from some one hundred countries.
He also thanked Canada Pork International (CPI) for its dedication to promoting Canada’s excellent pork in international markets and reiterated that the federal government is continuing to work with CPI and other groups in the sector to assist all Canadian exporters in expanding their business in main markets worldwide. He was very pleased to note that these actions can be kept up thanks to the government’s investment of $17 million in an international marketing fund for Canadian pork announced following the crisis that shook the industry.
The Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate les Aliments Lucyporc, the first Canadian company to gain access to the European Union. “This is an outstanding example of how close attention to customer needs and quality assurance at every stage of production can open new, promising markets,” noted Minister Blackburn.
“This fair provides us with magnificent proof of the excellence of Canada’s agri-food products. I am happy to be at ANUGA to continue our government’s ongoing efforts to support farmers and the Canadian agri-food industry in meeting the challenges they face on international markets and to support the more than 90 Canadian businesses participating in this important trade fair for our industry,” concluded the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn.
ANUGA is the largest agri-food fair in the world and represents extraordinary business potential with approximately 6,600 exhibitors and 160,000 visitors from some one hundred countries participating in the 2009 edition.