Released on February 4, 2014
Promoting Saskatchewan agriculture to India, United Arab Emirates and Morocco
Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart has announced he will lead a 12-day trade mission to promote Saskatchewan agriculture in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco.
“Strengthening our existing trade relationships and finding new market opportunities for our agriculture products is key to the growth of our entire province,” Stewart said. “India, United Arab Emirates and Morocco are important destinations for Saskatchewan agricultural exports and it is important we work to expand our presence in these countries.”
India and UAE are both among Saskatchewan’s top 10 agriculture export destinations. Agriculture exports to India were valued at nearly $448 million in 2012, with peas and lentils being the top two crops. Agriculture exports to UAE were worth more than $260 million, and included canola seed, wheat and lentils. Saskatchewan agriculture exports to Morocco totalled $185 million in 2012, led by durum wheat.
The delegation will participate in a variety of meetings and events, including the Punjabi Progressive Agriculture Summit, Global Pulses Conclave in India, the Gulfood Trade Show in Dubai and meetings in Morocco with grain and pulse importers and milling industry professionals. Minister Stewart will also meet with top level government representatives in these countries.
The trade mission departs February 15 and returns February 27.
Representatives of the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers and SaskCanola will also be present for portions of the mission.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Angela Hall
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: angela.hall@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521