The Special Representative for Australian Agriculture (SRAA), Ms Su McCluskey, travelled to Canada in July 2024, promoting Australian agriculture sustainability credentials and collaboration with Canada.
Ms McCluskey visited Calgary and Ottawa, supported by Matt Worrell, Agriculture Minister Counsellor (Washington DC Post) and a department official.
“Collaboration with Canada helps strengthen Australia’s position on the world-stage in international discussions on trade, sustainability, and climate change policy that would affect our industries,” Ms McCluskey said.
“When it comes to trade it must be kept free, fair, and open without protectionism and subsidies, and when it comes to meeting climate change and sustainability targets, ‘one size’ doesn’t fit all countries.
“Canada is a like-minded country to Australia; we work together to promote international agriculture and trade policy allowing countries with different production systems and climates to meet targets in the best way for their local environment.
“From international engagements we learn how other countries are tackling sustainability challenges—and regularly our counterparts remark on our enviable record of co-design across industry and government - the rest of the world is beginning to realise we are leaders in this space.”
Calgary – big hats and big sustainable beef future
The SRAA started her trip at Calgary Stampede—one of the biggest cattle and beef events on the planet—spending time with Canadian industry and government, and learning the Canadian agricultural mantra ‘stewardship is the mindset; sustainability is the practice.’
She met Senator Robert Black and discussed the importance of soil health. She also met John Barlow, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Agri-Food and Food Security, and discussed sustainability, market access and trade and including farmers as part of the solution to address climate change.
Both Senator Black and Barlow strongly desire Canada to have its own Agriculture Representative position. The SRAA promoted the value of such a position and encouraged its adoption to strengthen our collective international voice along with New Zealand’s Special Agriculture Trade Envoy, Hamish Marr.
Meeting the Nutrien North American Sustainability team, the SRAA discussed sustainability practices between Canada and Australia and learnt about their research being conducted in both countries.
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) also met the SRAA, with discussion centred on reducing methane emissions.
Ottawa – Seeding influence and sharing our sustainability framework
At the Grain Growers of Canada Roundtable, the SRAA met industry members across canola, soy, pulse, wheat sectors and the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance. Participants were impressed with Australia’s efforts to encourage farmers to commit to sustainability outcomes.
Meeting with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the SRAA promoted the Australian Agricultural Sustainability Framework (AASF) and the development of Australia’s Agriculture and Land Sector Plan. It also helped reinforce mutual interests on global agriculture trade issues such as WTO agriculture reform and highlight collaborative efforts to push back on third country Non-Tariff Measures, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
Read more from the Special Representative for Australian Agriculture
