14 THE UK IS Canada's largest and longeststanding agricultural trading partner in Europe, and it is currently Canada's third-largest export market and an important investment partner. Ontario Grain Farmer sat down with the Honourable Ralph E. Goodale PC, high commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, to learn more about trade opportunities for Ontario corn, soybeans, and grain products. Canada and the UK are currently negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement to replace the interim Canada UK Trade and Continuity Agreement (TCA) that came into effect in 2021 when the UK ended its membership in the EU (Brexit). Goodale shares his insights and outlooks on the new trade negotiations and what Ontario growers should watch for regarding market and exporting opportunities. Tell us about your role as the Canadian High Commissioner to the UK. I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to represent Canada in the United Kingdom. Historically, London was Canada's very first diplomatic post abroad, and today, the UK is one of our country's best international friends, partners, and allies. The role of the High Commissioner includes ceremonial and diplomatic representation to ensure Canada's voice is heard in Londonbased organizations like the Commonwealth, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Grains Council. The role also involves listening to global conversations and relaying reliable information to our own government and engaging with the British government on issues that matter to Canada — like the negotiation of a new free trade agreement between Canada and the UK, the urgent fight against climate change (both mitigation and adaptation), the free world's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and emerging issues like food insecurity, and global shortages of grains, oilseeds, pulse crops, fertilizers and energy. You were raised on a farm in Saskatchewan. How has that experience shaped your perspective? I think practicality and inclusion are the major impacts of that farming background — keeping my perspective down to earth, measuring success by what all this diplomatic work actually accomplishes for real people (like farmers) back home, and remembering that those farmers are the best in the world and have a huge role to play in feeding the world, especially in the crisis circumstances that exist today. Farming in Canada always matters, now more than ever. How do Canadian Trade Commissioners support the interests of Canadian farmers? The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses of all sizes succeed in international markets and make better, timelier, and more cost-effective decisions. Agri-food is a priority sector, and we help local UK businesses to identify and source Canadian food and drink products. We actively seek to raise awareness of the high quality of Canada's agricultural and food products. Our Trade Commissioners also have an extensive network of local contacts across the whole sector, from buyers to distributors to government officials with whomwe regularly engage on behalf of Canada. What are some of your priorities for the Canada-UK relationship? Through the negotiations towards a new bilateral free trade agreement, we have agreed to pursue an ambitious, inclusive, and sustainable agreement that will advance our climate goals, strengthen supply chains, and help our businesses thrive from digital trade. New UK trade negotiations A CONVERSATION WITH RALPH GOODALE Jeanine Moyer HIGH COMMISSIONER RALPH GOODALE. Agriculture trade is a significant part of this key bilateral relationship for Canada. The UK food supply chain employs 4.1 million people and generates over $200 billion of added value for the economy each year. The UK imports around 40 per cent of the food it consumes and relies on imports and its own agricultural sector to feed itself and drive economic growth. In 2020, the UK was Canada's fourth-largest export destination within Europe for agrifood products. Trade opportunities exist for established commodities such as Canadian wheat, dried legumes, corn and soy, and valueadded products like wine, craft beer, and spirits. A key trend in the UK is the growing demand for plant-based foods, making Canada's protein supercluster more significant and relevant. Market Development
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