This release was issued under a previous government.

This trade mission will further efforts to expand Alberta’s trade with India and identify new trade and investment opportunities for Alberta’s pork and pulse sectors.

“India is one of the world’s largest and most diverse markets and one where we believe there is tremendous growth potential for Alberta’s high-quality food and agricultural products. There is a tremendous opportunity to expand our trade and create new opportunities for our producers to help create jobs and further diversify our economy.”

Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Highlights of the upcoming mission include the minister’s keynote address at India Pulse Conclave 2018, an event promoting the pork and swine industry and the renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding promoting agricultural cooperation with the Indian state of Meghalaya.

In 2017, Minister Carlier became the first Alberta Agriculture minister to visit India in a trade mission, which led to further collaboration with the Indian government on agriculture, forestry and climate change.

Last year, Alberta's trade in agriculture with India was worth about $82 million. It’s Alberta’s largest export market for pulses and is also a major market for canola meal, lentils and malt.

“Alberta produces high-quality pulses such as yellow peas for export. Participating in the conclave will strengthen our relationship with key trade partners and enhance exposure of our world-class exports. We appreciate the opportunity to be included as part of this important delegation to India.”

D’Arcy Hilgartner, chair, Alberta Pulse Growers

“The Canadian hog industry sees potential new trade opportunities with India in the areas of swine genetics and high-quality meat products for the hotel and restaurant sector in India. Promoting our knowledge and products offers a lot of potential for our sector.”

Frank Novak, chair, Alberta Pork

Part of the mission will focus on advocating on behalf of Alberta’s pulse producers to address trade issues, including fumigation of pulses and tariffs on peas.

Minister Carlier is expected to meet with representatives of the following Alberta companies and a producer group during the conclave in India:

  • La Vita Commodities Inc.
  • Providence Grain
  • South Peace Grain Cleaning
  • Alberta Pulse Growers

The estimated cost for travel, meals, accommodations and hosting costs for Minister Carlier, one minister’s office staff member and two department officials is $36,500.

Itinerary for Minister Carlier*

Feb 9:

  • Depart Edmonton

Feb 10:

  • Arrive Delhi

Feb 11:

  • Depart to Kolkata

Feb 12:

  • Meetings with Alberta Office, Canadian Trade Commission, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Government of West Bengal Department of Agriculture

Feb 13/14:

  • Meetings with Indian government and agriculture stakeholders
  • State agriculture and rural leaders (delegation meeting)

Feb 15:

  • Pulse Conclave India – keynote address
  • Meetings with Indian agriculture companies and associations

Feb 16:

  • Meetings with Canadian High Commission
  • Meeting with the Indian Union Minister for Food Processing
  • Signing of Alberta-Meghalaya Memorandum of Understanding
  • Alberta Pork promotion event at the High Commission

Feb 17:

  • Depart Delhi
  • Arrive Edmonton

*Itinerary is subject to change 

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