Federal Ag Minister Lawrence MacAulay will be taking part in a ministerial mission this week in California.

He'll be in Sacramento to promote the Canada-California economic partnership and to highlight the strengths of Canada’s agriculture trade with the U.S.

“I look forward to meeting with representatives in California to discuss the tremendous economic benefits NAFTA has brought and continues to offer," said MacAulay. "We’re keen to continue working with our NAFTA partners to deepen our economic relationship and strengthen trade between our great nations.”

With California’s exports to Canada totalling $5.4 billion in 2016, Canada is California’s number one market for agriculture and agri-food exports.

During the mission, Canada will be recognized as an important trading partner for the U.S. on the floors of both the California Assembly and the Senate. Highlighting bilateral agricultural trade benefits between California and Canada, MacAulay will meet with a member of California’s congressional delegation, and provide keynote remarks at a trade panel discussion alongside the California Chamber of Commerce.

Panel discussion participants include California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary, Karen Ross, California Farm Bureau Federation President, Jamie Johansson, and other key members within California and Canada’s agriculture sectors.