An early December Canadian trade mission, with strong representation from PEI’s (Prince Edward Island’s) potato industry, explored expanding Asian market opportunities, aiming to diversify exports and reduce reliance on shipping into the United States. Krista Shaw, director of stakeholder relations for the PEI Potato Board, led the delegation of PEI’s potato industry representatives to Indonesia and the Philippines as part of the Team Canada trade mission.
The mission marked the largest PEI delegation to ever participate in such a mission, reflecting the province’s strategic push to expand international trade. The delegation’s first stop was Jakarta, Indonesia, coinciding with the conclusion of a free trade agreement between Canada and Indonesia. “The timing was significant,” Shaw said. “The agreement, which includes the gradual elimination of tariffs on Canadian potatoes, represents a major step forward for market access in the region.”
PEI’s potato industry is particularly interested in Indonesia’s major potato chip manufacturers, including a soon-to-open PepsiCo facility.
From Indonesia, the delegation traveled to Manila, the Philippines, a country with longstanding ties to PEI potatoes. The delegation reconnected with Filipino farmers and government officials who had visited PEI. Shaw recounted how PEI seed potatoes have transformed Filipino farming operations, increasing yields and improving crop quality.
The trade mission underscored the importance of diversifying PEI’s potato export markets, especially given the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies.
Source: Island Farmer via FreshPlaza. Full story here
Image: Credit Island Farmer
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