Minister MacDonald concludes successful G7 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting in Paris and EU outreach in Brussels

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 20, 2026 /CNW/ -- This week, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, concluded his mission to Europe, which included discussions at the G7 Agriculture Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and meetings with key political and industry leaders to promote opportunities for increased market access, investment, and partnership in Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector.

Canada and the European Union (EU) remain closely aligned on many strategic objectives, including food security, sustainable agriculture, resilient supply chains, and rules-based regulatory approaches.

Beginning in Brussels, the Minister advocated for Canadian interests with political leaders in the European Commission and the European Parliament. These meetings provided an opportunity to exchange views, advance Canada's trade interests in agriculture, and find opportunities for increased cooperation.

Also in Brussels, Minister MacDonald led a roundtable discussion with Canadian grain and oilseed industry representatives, including Cereals Canada, Pulse Canada, and the Canola Council of Canada, together with European importers and stakeholders, on shared trade and regulatory priorities and opportunities for advancing bilateral trade.

At the G7 AMM in France, Minister MacDonald discussed medium- and long-term solutions to strengthen the resilience of agri-food systems, promoted Canadian agricultural and agri-food products, strengthened bilateral relationships, and explored opportunities of mutual interest. Ministers at the meeting discussed ways to help farmers cope with challenges related to fertilizers, including the efficient use of fertilizers, nutrient cycle management and agricultural practices that promote soil health.

Minister MacDonald announced additional Canadian funding to the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) – a multi-country effort seeking to improve global food security with improved market transparency. AMIS assesses global food supplies and provides a platform to coordinate policy action in times of market uncertainty.

During the G7 AMM, Minister MacDonald had the opportunity to meet with ministers and other officials from G7 member nations. These included: host Annie Genevard, France's Minister of Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Sovereignty; Alois Rainer, Germany's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Community; Mr. Hiroo Kotera, Japan's State Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF); and Christophe Hansen, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. Minister MacDonald discussed the need to deepen cooperation and to work collaboratively on shared priorities in an evolving Canada-EU partnership.

The Minister also attended SIAL Paris, where he opened the Canada Pavilion which showcased more than 45 Canadian companies. SIAL Paris is one of the world's largest food and beverage tradeshows and is widely recognized for driving innovation and trends in food processing.

Quote

"Canada has a well-deserved global reputation as a trusted trading partner. This is because our farmers and food processors produce reliable, high-quality, and safe food for the world. We will continue to work with our international partners and expand our networks to secure more market access and diversify trade to help build a stronger, more resilient future for Canada."
  -    The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick facts

• Launched in 2011 at a G20 meeting of agriculture ministers, AMIS came about as the result of global food price hikes a few years prior. The organization brings together G20 members plus nine other principal trading countries of agricultural commodities, as well as 10 key international organizations, to assess global food supplies on a continuous basis, and provides a platform to coordinate policy action in times of market uncertainty. The funding boost of $250,000 will help AMIS expand its fertilizer monitoring and analysis program, thereby helping farmers both in Canada and around the world plan for shortages and find reliable supplies of various farm input products.
• The EU is an important agriculture trading destination, encompassing 27 countries, more than 450 million people, and $21 trillion in economic activity, and has significant potential for future growth. Canadian agri-food and seafood exports to the EU were worth $6.7 billion in 2025, making it Canada's third-leading destination for agri-food and seafood exports.
• Within the EU, the six-highest importers of Canadian agri-food and seafood in 2025 were: 1) Netherlands ($1.3 billion); 2) Italy ($1.2 billion); 3) Spain ($782 million); 4) Germany ($719 million); 5) France ($661 million); and 6) Belgium ($627 million).
• In 2024, SIAL Paris saw more than 7,500 exhibitors, as well as some 285,000 visitors from 205 countries.

Associated links

• Canada-Germany joint statement
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
• Canada Brand
• G7 France
• Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS)
• SIAL Paris
• SIAL Canada

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Contacts: For media: Jennica Klassen, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, [email protected]; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]