July 3, 2018 – Waterford, ON - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Canada is a global leader in the production of North American ginseng. It is the
largest field grown horticultural export with sales of over $228 million a year.
Strategic investments in Canadian-grown ginseng help the sector seize market opportunities,
build its competitive advantage, and contribute to the Government's goal of growing
Canada's agriculture and food annual exports to $75 billion by 2025.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay announced today an investment
of $360,521 to the Ontario Ginseng Growers' Association (OGGA) to help promote and
pursue new markets, including India which provides potential to further increase
demand for Canadian-grown ginseng beyond its traditional Asian markets.
This investment under the new Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriMarketing Program
will help the OGGA stay in front of its competitors, increase domestic and international
market demand, and strengthen Canada's reputation as a producer of high-quality,
safe and clean Canadian-grown ginseng.
Today's announcement is part of the Minister's cross country ‘Growing Canadian Agriculture'
tour which started in Quebec last week and ends in B.C. on July 17.
The Minister is meeting with farmers, processors and industry leaders, as well as
participate in rural agricultural events, to highlight strategic federal agricultural
investments and programs - including those recently launched under the Canadian
Agricultural Partnership-and how they will help to build an even stronger and more
innovative sector for Canada.
Quotes
"Canadian growers of North American ginseng are important contributors to the economy,
both in Ontario and in Canada. This investment will help our world-class ginseng
growers promote their top-quality product and compete in new markets around the
world, which will help boost global exports and create good jobs for our middle
class." The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"The funding we get from the AgriMarketing Program allows us to develop new markets,
educate the consumer, and properly brand our ginseng as the premium product that
it is. This program has helped solidify our reputation as having the highest quality
ginseng in the world. Remi Van De Slyke, Chair of the Ontario Ginseng Growers' Association
Quick Facts
The OGGA is a non-profit organization of producers of ginseng who grow, harvest
and sell the root. They represent more than 160 growers and have the largest production
of North American ginseng in the world. Almost all producers of North American ginseng
in Canada are located in Ontario.
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal-provincial
and territorial governments, which will strengthen the agriculture, agri-food and
agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.
Associated Links
Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
AgriMarketing Program: National Industry Association Component Ginseng Ontario