International Trade committee  The challenge in the agricultural sector is there are multiple layers, and the farmers are going to grow it for them, but they're not going to export it. Typically, you need something that's called an elevator—it's a distribution hub in reverse—and they're going to take the stuff in from the farmers.

International Trade committee  It's a long story, again a very fascinating one, but maybe not for this platform. The challenge is there are some marketplaces that have a shelf life over here, but there are other ones that need to go elsewhere. This particular case was doing some consulting for locals, a manufacturing facility for maple syrup.

International Trade committee  Yes, we built a relationship with the guy we were working with shipping certified organic grains to Europe, and he said that that someone had called him. They were looking for someone in Canada to work with, and he said, “You have to work with this guy because he does business differently.”

International Trade committee  In those places you have to be very careful. That's where trade commissions are great and come in really well. They help you understand the culture in a different country.

International Trade committee  Thank you for the privilege of coming to talk. My apologies for my outfit. Air Canada is protecting my blue suit, white shirt and blue tie incredibly well. In fact, they're in a secret location and no one really knows where they are, so we have to put up with my current Air Canada-approved outfit.

International Trade committee  That's right. It's casual day. Thanks again for allowing me to come. I'm new to this environment. It's very different for me. I thought maybe for the five minutes allotted I'd give a brief background of my history in exporting, to provide some context and perspective and also maybe some credibility.