Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay has named Diedrah Kelly as Executive Director of Canada’s new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila, Philippines. (Photo 84090367 | Agriculture © Fotoluminate | Dreamstime.com)

By Justin Goulet

Ottawa announces Executive Director of new agricultural office in Manila

Dec 5, 2023 | 2:20 PM

OTTAWA, ON – The federal government has announced the first Executive Director of a new international office.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay has named Diedrah Kelly as Executive Director of Canada’s new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) in Manila, Philippines.

Kelly has 20 years of international experience with Global Affairs Canada. Most recently, she was the Consul General of Canada in Mumbai, India. Prior to that, she served as the country’s ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

The IPAAO is a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). It is part of an ongoing commitment to strengthen ties, advance technical cooperation, assist Canadian exporters in finding new business opportunities, and helping position Canada as a preferred supplier in the region.

Minister MacAulay said, “The Indo-Pacific region holds so much potential for Canada’s agricultural sector, and the establishment of the new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila is a sign of our commitment to the region.”

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“I would like to congratulate Ms. Kelly on her appointment as Executive Director of the IPAAO, and I look forward to working with her to create more opportunities for Canada’s high-quality products.”

IPAAO resources from both the CFIA and AAFC will take a regional approach to advancing, engaging and addressing agricultural trade issues and opportunities, while operating a centralized hub.

The team will promote Canada’s role in the region as a committed partner in global food security and supply chain resilience.

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