Expert Export Resources for Ontario Producers
Whether you are just starting to expand into new international markets or are already exporting your products and looking to expand further, connecting to the right resources and opportunities can make it easier to reach your goals. Keeping up with news of trade agreement talks, global weather reports, and new tariffs can be hard while trying to keep production going. There’s a range of resources available for agricultural businesses to help you get ahead – we’ve compiled a few to help with your export knowledge, plan ahead or get started.
1. Understand the global climate
Stay on top of what’s happening in the market and look ahead with the recently released Global Export Forecast. The report states that: “Having grown 7% in 2017, Canadian goods exports are forecast to follow up last year’s banner performance with another strong 6% expansion in 2018.”
When you sign up for the report, you can access forecast information specifically for sectors, including: grain and oilseeds, agriculture products, food and beverage, fertilizers, live animals and more. The Forecast reports steady growth in processed food and beverage exports into 2019, with the U.S. representing the lion’s share of the export market.
On trend, there is expected to be continued demand for healthy food options. Grains and oilseeds exports are expected to have a modest gain this year, citing that signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership could boost exports to Asia in the medium term.
Also, look for trade publications such as Farmtario, which also provide up-to-date market and business forecasts.
2. Take advantage of free resources and customized trade information to help you grow
Look out for free webinars like this one on the Outlook for Global Food Demand: A Growing Appetite on the EDC website. This webinar, hosted by EDC’s Chief Economist, Peter Hall, will help you define and explore those opportunities. Covering general growth trends, as well as more sector-specific details relating to meat, cereals and organic food production, Hall outlines the market characteristics that are creating growing revenue potential for Canada’s agri-food companies in global markets, highlighting:
- The facts and figures behind growing international demand
- The effect of a growing middle class
- Shifting consumer preferences
- Where to find sales opportunities in global markets
Also, make sure to sign up for the Magnet Export Business Portal to get information that is customized specifically to your business straight to your inbox. If you are looking to expand and reach new markets, the Magnet Export Business Portal can help. Here’s what the Portal does for you:
- Connects you with tools and relevant export resources, funding opportunities, trade missions and more
- Sends you information tailored to you and your business.
- Saves you time and money
It only takes a few minutes to register – and it’s free.
3. Get advice from export experts
Access export advice through consultants with Ontario Food Exports (OFEX), an Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs program that helps small and medium-sized businesses (SME) in Ontario to maximize export opportunities. OFEX consultants help you access market information and develop sales strategies. They can also link targeted international buyers with qualified, reliable Ontario food suppliers.
4. Be inspired by what other Canadian agricultural companies are doing
Lessons learned from other producers can go a long way in helping you understand new markets and growth strategies. For inspiration, Export Development Canada shares success stories on its website from Canadian companies that have successfully grown their business through export. Look for this story about Vive Crop Protection, founded out of the University of Toronto’s Department of Chemistry. They created the Allosperse pesticide delivery system to improve the performance of pesticides. The system allows farms to increase their efficiency and productivity while reducing their environmental impact.