Lethbridge helping Canada’s overall ag trade ranking: economist
LETHBRIDGE – The Southern Alberta region has a key role in helping Canada maintain its position as an exporter of food and agricultural products, Farm Credit Canada’s principal agricultural economist said Wednesday.
Craig Klemmer was discussing a pair of reports released by FCC ranking Canada’s position in world trade. It found that Canada is fifth overall for agricultural commodities, and the 11th biggest exporter of agri-food products.
“If we look at some of the top commodities that we’re exporting, it plays very well into what Lethbridge is contributing to,” Klemmer said in an interview. “Either as a seed manufacturer — when I think about canola seed, the hybrid canolas are produced in Lethbridge area and spread across the prairies, and then sold into the export market.
“But then also the cattle market, and beef protein is a major export market that we have, as well as the poultry. And when we look at Lethbridge, absolutely a very major contributor to the overall success of Canada’s exports.”