/EINPresswire.com/ -- OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 02/23/16 -- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today concluded meetings in Ottawa with Jose Calzada, Secretary of Agriculture for Mexico, where they discussed the two countries' long standing partnership in agricultural trade and areas of opportunity. They expressed their commitment to work together to increase the competitiveness of their agricultural sectors and resolve bilateral issues.

Recent collaborative work resulted in a successful resolution of the longstanding dispute with the United States over Country of Origin Labelling for beef and pork. The repeal of this measure will help to restore the integrated North American supply chains that will benefit the cattle and hog sectors in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Minister and Secretary discussed collaboration in agricultural science and technology and the work being conducted through mechanisms such as the Canada-Mexico Agri-Business Working Group and the Canada-Mexico Consultative Committee on Agriculture.

Minister MacAulay also used this opportunity to raise the issue of Mexico's restrictions on the import of Canadian beef from cattle over thirty months of age.

Minister MacAulay and Secretary Calzada also participated in a panel discussion during the Canadian Federation of Agriculture's Annual General Meeting to discuss issues and opportunities facing Canadian and Mexican farmers. Minister MacAulay highlighted the government's commitment to invest in agricultural research, open new markets for producers and processors, and invest in value-added food processing.

Quick Facts

--  Canada and Mexico have a strong and complementary trading relationship
    with approximately $3.5B in annual bilateral trade in agriculture and
    food products.
--  Canada and Mexico have more than 70 years of diplomatic relations and
    more than 20 years of partnership through the North American Free Trade
    Agreement (NAFTA).
--  Since coming into force in 1994, NAFTA has tripled trade in agriculture
    and agri-food and seafood products across North America.

Quote

"The government is committed to building on our strong relationship with Mexico to benefit both of our agriculture sectors. Secretary Calzada and I discussed trade and how we can work together to further our collaboration. I am committed to continuing to work with my counterparts around the world to create new opportunities for our agriculture sector."

--  Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, P.C., M.P., Minister of Agriculture and Agri-
    Food

Additional links

Statement from ministers Freeland and MacAulay on U.S. Country of Origin Labelling

Statement by Canada and Mexico on U.S. Country of Origin Labelling

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Contacts:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972