Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay met with U.S. officials last week to strengthen our relationship and share priorities on food production and security.

MacAulay travelled to Des Moines, Iowa, to take part in the World Pork Expo, and met with Iowa's Governor and Secretary of Agriculture where he highlighted the importance of the strong and secure Canada-U.S. agri-food trade relationship and reinforced Canada's role as a reliable and indispensable trading partner.

"Each and every day, farmers right across North America are working hard to feed their communities, their country, and the entire world. After spending the last few days in Iowa and Minnesota, I've seen just how strong our partnership with the United States really is, and it's vitally important that we continue to work together, as nations and as dear friends, to strengthen our supply chains, address food security challenges, and put more money in the pockets of producers on both sides of the border."

At the World Pork Expo, he visited several trade show exhibitors to see firsthand how Canada's high-quality swine, genetics, and innovative products add value to producers on both sides of the border.

Minister MacAulay also toured the John Deere Des Moines Works production facility, and the St. Ansgar, Iowa, Grain Millers oat milling facility, which sources 95% of their grains from Canada. 

In Minnesota, MacAulay met with the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture where they discussed shared priorities such as sustainability, innovation and prevention of foreign animal diseases.

Throughout his visit to the U.S. Upper Midwest, Minister MacAulay emphasized the unique Canada-U.S. relationship, shared commitments to continental and global food security, and the bonds of friendship that tie both countries together.