Minister Ritz Promotes Canadian Agriculture in Japan

OSAKA, JAPAN, Nov 12 (MARKET WIRE) --
Editors note: A photo is included with this press release on Marketwire's
website.

Canadian farmers produce the safest high-quality food in the world and
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz led a mission to Japan to create new
export opportunities by meeting with newly elected officials and
kickstarting the Brand Canada Initiative in Japan with an initial
investment of $1 million.

"It was critical for us to get on the ground here in Japan to meet new
government members within their first 100 days in office," said Minister
Ritz. "The discussions officials are having right now will set the
agricultural agenda here for the long-term and we're making sure
agriculture remains a cornerstone of the strong trade relationship
between Canada and Japan."

Minister Ritz once again raised Canada's long-standing request for
greater access for Canadian beef in the Japanese market. Canadian beef is
recognized as safe according to international scientific organizations
such as the OIE. Access for Canadian beef exports to Japan are currently
restricted to products from animals under 21 months of age.

Minister Ritz also announced an initial investment of $1 million to
kickstart the Brand Canada Initiative in Japan. The announcement is part
of the Canada's global $32 million Brand Canada Initiative that will
drive market research, advertising, store features and other promotional
activities. This initiative is one more way Canada's Economic Action Plan
is working for Canadian farmers.

"Japanese families are looking for Canadian foods when they go to the
grocery store and the Brand Canada Initiative will make sure they can
find the maple leaf on the great products our farmers grow," said
Minister Ritz. "This kind of initiative can turn opportunities into
realities with full order sheets and premium prices going back to
Canadian producers."

During the mission, Minister Ritz met with Alberta Provincial Agriculture
Minister George Groeneveld who was leading a provincial delegation in
Japan. "Japan is a vital market for Canadian farmers and we're working
together at every level to create new opportunities," said Minister Ritz.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the
following link:
http://www.marketwire.com/library/20091112-photo_agri_1112_800.jpg

Contacts:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Media Relations
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
613-773-1059

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-