On Monday, Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay joined Pope Francis and the G7 agriculture ministers in Rome at the United Nations' thirty-seventh World Food Day.

He spoke to the theme of World Food Day "Changing The Future of Migration" where he highlighted the importance of supporting farmers to improve livelihoods in rural areas and communities impacted by migration.

"I am pleased to participate in World Food Day events and reiterate the Government of Canada’s commitment to sustainable development," said MacAulay. "Canada believes this year’s theme, “Changing the future of migration,” can be addressed by supporting farmers. Agricultural development can help address rural poverty, strengthen food security, and provide jobs in rural communities. Ensuring that global trade doors remain open while supporting innovative agriculture can improve the viability of farming in areas affected by migration, and can provide stability for farmers, their families, and their local communities."

MacAulay underscored the role Canada is playing in support of farmers around the world, and the challenges migrants face in the agriculture sector. He stressed the importance of creating opportunities for agricultural development in areas affected by migration. This includes helping farmers develop, innovate and increase their yields, supporting fair and open trade, and empowering women and girls who contribute to the agricultural sector in areas impacted by migration such as Africa and Asia.

The meeting capped off a successful agricultural trade mission to Europe, during which MacAulay promoted Canadian food to Europeans and the world at the world’s largest food and beverage trade show, ANUGA. MacAulay then travelled to Belgium and Italy, where he met with senior European Union (EU) officials to help ensure Canadian exporters get the most out of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) which entered into force provisionally on September 21, 2017. At the G7 Agriculture Ministers’ meeting, he underscored the importance of Canada’s role in addressing the global migration crisis.

"The G7 Agricultural Ministers’ Meeting allows us to discuss and build consensus around some of today’s most challenging issues," said MacAulay. "This year, Ministers agreed that the best way to fight world hunger is to strengthen the family farm through stronger risk management for farmers; a stronger role for farmers in the food chain – especially for young farmers and women; and open, inclusive trade.”

The purposes of trade mission discussions are to make sure Canadian farmers are represented well abroad while creating more opportunities for the middle-class within the agriculture and agri-food sector.