Minister Bibeau in Italy for Food and Agriculture Organization conference, local outreach
News release
June 30, 2023 – Ottawa, ON – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, is in Italy to take part in the biennial conference of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). During her outreach, she will also work with stakeholders to advance Canadian agriculture and agri-food trade, and promote the safety and quality of Canadian exports.
Minister Bibeau is expected to be formally elected as Chair of the FAO conference on its first day. Minister Bibeau will be the first female agriculture minister to be in the role, and the first Canadian to chair since 1997. The Chair presides over the gathering of the full membership of the FAO, facilitating the exchange of views among all members as they work together towards global food security and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The full FAO membership convenes every 2 years. This year’s theme is water resource management, and the conference is taking place in Rome, from July 1 to 7.
While in Italy, Minister Bibeau will also take the opportunity to discuss Canadian agricultural opportunities with Italian agri-food stakeholders, including the mutual benefits of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). She will host a roundtable discussion with female leaders in agriculture and agri-food from around the world, meet with Canadian industry associations, and meet Italian businesses who use Canadian agriculture and agri-food products.
There will be opportunities on the margins of the FAO for Minister Bibeau to meet with counterparts from numerous other countries as well as with FAO officials to help push progress on global food security, enhance bilateral relations and trade opportunities, while working to resolve trade issues.
Quotes
“This FAO conference is the largest in-person gathering of ministers of agriculture. Founded in Canada 75 years ago, the FAO is the world’s main authority for agricultural and food security issues. Chairing this meeting is an honour that highlights our exceptional agricultural and agri-food sector.”
- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick facts
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In 1945, at a conference presided over by future Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson in Quebec City, the FAO was formally established as a specialized UN agency to lead international efforts in the fight against global hunger.
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Today, the FAO has 195 members and works in more than 130 countries worldwide, with the overall goal of contributing to the achievement of food security for all.
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A number of agriculture sector organizations will attend and/or follow the FAO Conference, including Global Pulse Confederation, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Canadian Cattle Association, Prairie Oat Growers Association, Fertilizer Canada and others.
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In 2022, Canada exported nearly C$1.1 billion in agriculture and food products to Italy, an increase of 33.2% from the previous year. The exports consisted mainly of Canada’s high-quality durum wheat and soybeans.
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During the same period, Canada imported almost C$2 billion in agriculture and food products from Italy, an increase of 15.9% from the previous year, including wine and other products.
Associated links
Contacts
For media:
Simon Lafortune
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
simon.lafortune@agr.gc.ca
343‑549‑0778
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
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