STRATHROY, ONTARIO — Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture Pierre Lemieux and Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament (Lambton-Kent-Middlesex), jointly announced Canada is investing C$550,000 to support the work of Canada Pork International (C.P.I.).

"Our pork producers and processors are known for their safe, high-quality, world-class products, but they need to be able to sell more around the world," Mr. Lemieux said. "This investment will help C.P.I. access more international customers and boost the bottom line for our producers."

Mr. Lemieux said the investment will help C.P.I. develop a promotional campaign for Canadian pork in international markets, including obtaining, maintaining and enhancing access to markets; providing producers with market information, technical support, promotional and advocacy tools; and addressing regulatory and logistic challenges.

A four-year, C$88 million (US$85 million) initiative, the AgriMarketing Program assists producers and processors to increase exports of Canada's products around the world. The program provides funding for industry associations to develop and implement long-term international strategies and to undertake activities such as international market development, brand-building and industry-to-industry trade advocacy.