Good afternoon.
On behalf of the Alberta Barley Commission, l' d like to thank you for inviting me here today to discuss CETA. I'm here on behalf of Alberta's 11,000-plus barley farmers. As general manager of the Alberta Barley Commission, I also serve as president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance.
The Alberta Barley Commission's mandate is to grow our barley industry and its profitability. l'm pleased to say that the free trade agreement with Europe provides the means and the opportunity to do just that.
Canadian farmers grow exceptional barley and we're known around the world for a high-quality, premium product. Increased access to the European Union means our malting barley and food barley will continue to thrive. But even more importantly, increased access for our country's beef and pork industry is good news for Alberta's barley farmers because our biggest market is the hog and cattle feeding industry at home. Most notably, barley fuels the multi-billion dollar Alberta beef industry and gives Alberta beef its great taste and texture.
Eighty per cent of Alberta's barley goes to the feeding industry, which is why these numbers are so significant. Under CETA, beef exports to the EU are projected to increase by $600 million and pork exports are projected to increase by $400 million. This is why we expect CETA to drive significant growth in domestic feed grain sales as exports of beef and pork expand under the new trade deal.
Therefore, on behalf of the farmer members of the Alberta Barley Commission, l'd like to congratulate the Canadian government on taking down trade barriers and making a real difference for farmers.
CETA sets a precedent for comprehensive trade agreements going forward. It's an important deal that redefines Canada's role in international trade. But it's also important for the farmers at home, the people who work every day to feed their own families and whose livelihoods are affected by what happens across the country and across the world.
The Alberta Barley Commission believes smart trade agreements are the best way to ensure the Canadian economy remains vibrant and strong. Through trade we are able to ensure long-term viability for our farms. This is why we are pleased with CETA and look forward to Canada's involvement in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trade also makes our industry more sustainable throughout the entire value chain and provides new and growing markets for Canadian exports.
Food barley is one area of market growth for Alberta barley. We are actively developing hulless barley markets around the world, using our Health Canada health claim to talk about the benefits of eating barley, and I'm not just talking about beer. The health claim states that barley fibre helps lower your cholesterol, which is a risk factor in heart disease. By developing the food barley markets while also developing stronger trading relationships with the European Union, we are further investing in on-farm success. And we're helping people be healthier.
Developing new markets for our barley is one way farmers will benefit from the government's strong trade agenda. As you know, Canada is the fifth largest agrifood exporter in the world. We depend on exports to drive our economy and provide access for our agrifood products. Last year, Canada exported over 1.4 million tonnes of barley. Under CETA we will have access to a market of 500 million consumers with a GDP of over $17 trillion. The numbers speak for themselves. Reducing and eliminating tariffs on barley is good for our farmers and for our customers in Europe.
The Alberta Barley Commission fully supports CETA and looks forward to a more secure future for farmers.
Thank you.