"New Products, New Markets" initiative supported by AgriFlexibility program

Edmonton, Alberta, March 18, 2011 - The federal and provincial governments have announced a Alberta-Canada Export Partnership to help boost Alberta's agriculture exports and to help agri-food exporters succeed in priority international markets. The announcement was made today by Member of Parliament James Rajotte (Edmonton-Leduc) on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of the Legislative Assembly George Rogers (Leduc-Beaumont-Devon) on behalf of Provincial Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Jack Hayden.

"This project will help Alberta companies get their foot in the door around the world and sell more of our great Canadian product," said MP Rajotte. "This initiative will help farmers find new markets and make their businesses more profitable."

With a shared investment of more than $2.1 million, the Alberta government and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will deliver New Products, New Markets initiatives to facilitate trade relationships with priority markets. The initiatives will help expand international trade connections between Alberta's agri-food exporters, deliver customized, results-oriented service to Alberta exporters, and enhance the global competitiveness of Alberta's agriculture industry.

New Products, New Markets initiatives will help Alberta agri-food exporters identify export opportunities and access custom market intelligence, in-market expertise, and aids in business matchmaking, contributing to a more innovative, competitive and sustainable agriculture sector.

"This initiative will enhance industry's competitiveness in international priority markets and its ability to address emerging challenges and opportunities," said Jack Hayden, Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. "By introducing new products, exporting into new markets and utilizing a menu of customized market tools, we are further reinforcing Alberta's agricultural export sector and our reputation as a safe, reliable supplier."

The AgriFlexibility fund is a $500 million initiative to help implement new initiatives that will help the agriculture sector adapt to pressures and improve its competitiveness by funding projects that reduce production costs, improve environmental sustainability, promote innovation and respond to market challenges.

For more information on the AgriFlexibility fund visit http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1277926779921&lang=eng.

For more information, media may contact:

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

Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Claire Citeau
Export Program Manager
International Relations and Marketing Branch
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
780-422-7103

Ag Media Line
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
780-422-1005

To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.