News 

Minister Ritz Highlights Importance of the Western Canadian Barley Industry

Back to News

February 13, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today addressed the 38th Annual Convention of the Western Barley Growers Association (WBGA) where he underscored the importance of the barley industry in creating jobs and economic growth in Canada.

Minister Ritz highlighted that the future for the grain industry is bright in Canada. Working together with producers, the Canadian Government will continue to build a modern, competitive and profitable grain industry in Alberta and across Canada through an aggressive trade agenda, Canadian Grain Commission reform, supply chain improvements, and strategic investments in innovation under the Growing Forward 2 federal-provincial-territorial initiative, all in addition to marketing freedom for western barley and wheat.

Quick Facts

• The barley industry is an important economic driver in Western Canada, with over $700 million in cash receipts and over $700 million in exports.
• The Canadian beer industry brings $14 billion to the Canadian economy and over 160,000 jobs.
• In November, the Government announced funding of over $1.9 million for the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre. The Centre will leverage these resources to grow malt barley markets though technical training, sales support and ensuring new varieties meet international customers’ needs.

Quote

“Canada’s barley industry is a major contributor to jobs and economic growth. Our Government is committed to working with industry to expand opportunities at home and abroad, ensuring that Canada remains a world force in barley.”

– Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

“We are very pleased to have Minister Ritz address the delegates at the Western Barley Growers Association's 38th Annual Convention. Minister Ritz and the Federal Conservative government have been key forces responsible for modernizing the Canadian grain industry and allowing producers to better control their own resources and manage their operations in a profitable way. We are pleased to continue to work with him in this and other initiatives that benefit Canadian farmers."

– Western Barley Growers Association President Doug Robertson

Additional links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Harper Government Takes Further Steps to Modernize Grain Industry
• Harper Government Supports Canadian Malting Barley to Make New Inroads

Contacts

Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada