The agriculture and food sector is among the most vibrant industries in Canada
Nature has been kind to Canada. It has a clean environment and abundant natural resources that spread over 9,984,670 square kilometres, making it the second-largest country in the world.
When broken down, 9,093,507 square kilometres of the total area is land and 891,163 square kilometres comprises fresh water.
These figures, teamed with an enterprising population and advanced technological innovations, have been favourable for the growth of the country's agri-food sector.
According to James Hannah, Consul and Trade Commissioner - Agri-Food, Canadian Consulate, Dubai, "Canada's agriculture and food sector is a robust industry that contributes to the economy and quality of life of all Canadians. The sector accounts for more than eight per cent of the GDP.
"And while it is one of the oldest sectors of the economy, deeply rooted in our history and culture, it has also become one of the most dynamic and innovative industries in Canada."
Many Canadians depend on the agri-food sector for their livelihood. "Accounting for more than one in eight jobs in Canada, the industry is the country's third-largest employer, making agriculture a key economic sector," says Tracy Mortenson, Trade Commissioner - Agri-Food, Canadian Consulate, Dubai.
To ensure the sector sustains its profitability, federal, provincial and territorial ministers of agriculture joined hands to create a comprehensive strategy called the Agricultural Policy Framework.
The government of Canada is committed to working in partnership to ensure Canadians in rural and remote areas get the support and tools they need to strengthen their communities.
"They dedicate their efforts to working with the sector, rural communities and the provinces to build on Canada's agriculture and agri-food accomplishments in the pursuit of global excellence," says Mortenson.
Committed to growth
Several factors have contributed to the sector's success, both on home ground and internationally. For starters, innovation and quality have been prioritised, says Hannah.
"At Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), excellence begins with top research scientists, agrologists, engineers, policy makers and marketers, among others, working to ensure that the sector has the best chance to thrive in both domestic and international markets.
"Canada's food inspection system is also internationally recognised as being among the best in the world - both in terms of ensuring food safety and quality, and in providing a trade-friendly environment."
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was created in 1997 to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of federal inspection and related services for food and animal and plant health.
As part of its commitment to food safety, the CFIA manages food emergencies and plays a key role in the regulation of biotechnology products and import of food and agricultural products.
"The food safety and quality component of the Agriculture Policy Framework has also resulted in the establishment of a national governance structure to support and oversee the management and harmonisation of product quality standards for commodities and consumer-packaged products on a global basis," says Hannah.
Technological innovations have also revolutionised the sector, especially in the food production chain. New technologies cover every aspect of food production changing the way Canadians grow, process, preserve, transport, distribute and even shop for food, says Mortenson.
"AAFC research centres focus on a broad number of areas, including pest and disease resistance and management, molecular genetics, genetic breeding and improved germplasm. With 18 research centres, AAFC is able to conduct location-specific research reflecting regional industry strengths in each part of Canada.
"AAFC's biotechnology expertise is maximised by partnerships with universities, provinces and the private sector. Agricultural biotechnology innovation centres exist in every region, from British Columbia to Atlantic Canada."
As one of Canada's top five industries, the agri-food sector provides a wide range of high-quality products from all regions, playing a vital role in strengthening the Canadian economy.
The sector includes grains, seeds and special crops, meat and meat by-products, food and beverages including processed varieties, animal and poultry breeding stocks and genetics, dairy and poultry products, feed and veterinary products.
The sector also includes horticulture and services incidental to the agricultural, food and beverage industries in addition to agriculture technology and equipment.
The country's emphasis on high-quality products and stringent production and processing procedures has helped make its agri-food products popular worldwide. Canadians consume more than $65 billion (about Dh238.7 billion) worth of Canadian food products annually.
Canada was also the fifth largest global exporter of agriculture and agri-food products in 2004. According to Mortenson, popular products include pulses, lentils, peas, wheat, canola, canola oil, frozen potatoes and vegetable products, coffee, tea, bottled water, maple syrup, cheese, ice cream, organic products and forage products.
"In 2005, the country's agri-food exports reached C$26,233 billion with the top five exported products being wheat, non-durum (C$2,011 billion), fresh boneless beef, (C$1,583 billion), canola (C$1,234 billion), frozen pork, (C$1,093 billion) and fresh pork (C$0.924 billion)," says Hannah.
According to AAFC, Canada's key agri-food markets include the US, Japan, EU, Mexico and China.
UAE's imports
The UAE also imports agri-food products from Canada. Figures for 2004 reached C$44,972,775.
According to Mortenson, the agri-food products dominating the list included peas and pulse crops, edible vegetables, oilseeds, seeds for sowing and fodder, grains, bulk or cereals, miscellaneous edible preparations, preparations of vegetables, fruit and nuts and preparations of grains and pasta.
Several Canadian companies from the agri-food sector are also present in the UAE. "Some of these include Blenz Middle East, Café Suprême, Cinnzeo, McCain International Inc., Second Cup, St. Cinnamon and Sublime Desserts," says Mortensen.
The agri-food section at the Canadian Consulate in Dubai promotes Canadian agri-food export activities in the Middle East and North Africa, and deals with all agri-food related inquiries in the UAE.
It promotes and aids the participation of Canadian companies in trade shows and events throughout the year including the Gulfood exhibition.
"This year the event showcased 16 Canadian companies and two food exporter associations. AAFC also led a Canadian Food Exporters Mission to the region in conjunction with Gulfood 2006. Thirty-one food exporters took part in this exploratory mission.
"Canadian products will also be featured at the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo at the end of the year, and will have a large, 300-square-metre national pavilion at Gulfood 2007," says Hannah.
"In addition," says Mortenson, "a large volume of Canadian agri-food products are also being imported into the region for use in the hospitality, hotel and restaurant industry and are also found in supermarkets and hypermarkets in your neighbourhood."
