Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Minister Heath MacDonald spent the week in Brussels, Belgium, and Paris, France, participating in meetings with European officials, industry representatives, and G7 agriculture ministers.
The visit included meetings with officials from the European Commission and European Parliament, as well as discussions with European industry stakeholders. Trade and regulatory issues affecting agricultural exports were among the topics discussed, along with opportunities to strengthen commercial relationships between Canada and European markets.
The minister then joined counterparts from other G7 countries in France for the G7 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, where discussions focused on food security, fertilizer availability, nutrient management and soil health. Ministers also examined ways to address challenges facing agricultural production and global food supply chains.
During the meeting, Canada announced an additional $250,000 contribution to the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), an international initiative that monitors global crop supplies, market conditions, and fertilizer markets.
The trip also included a stop at SIAL Paris, one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade shows. More than 45 Canadian companies participated in the Canada Pavilion, showcasing products to buyers and visitors from around the world.
The European Union (EU) remains an important market for Canadian agriculture. In 2025, Canadian agri-food and seafood exports to EU member countries were valued at $6.7 billion, making it Canada’s third-largest export destination for those products.
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About the Author
Kara grew up on a grain farm near Bow Island, Alta. After studying at SAIT and the University of Calgary, where she earned a degree in communication and media studies and a diploma in broadcast news, she began her career in agricultural communications and journalism.