Opportunities and challenges for Ontario's agri-food exports in an uncertain and rapidly changing trade environment

Lead Applicant: Sylvanus Kwaku Afesorgbor

Research Priority: Trade, Market & Targeted Sector Growth Opportunities Projects

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2022/2023

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: This study aims to identify challenges and opportunities for Ontario agri-food exports arising from the COVID-19-pandemic, taking into account health impacts; developments in capacity/usage of e-commerce along the supply chain; and key changes in consumer demographics, preferences, and behaviour. First, how these three factors (COVID-19; e-commerce; consumer behaviour) have affected agri-food trade with priority export markets will be assessed. Second, the developments in these three factors will be extrapolated to project challenges and opportunities for Ontario’s agri-food trade. The results will strengthen the competitiveness of Ontario's agri-food sector and inform the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in developing targeted programming.