Gerry Ritz and German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner (photo courtesy AAFC)

The federal agriculture minister is on another whirlwind trade promotion tour.

Gerry Ritz wrapped up a trade mission in Germany yesterday before heading to Russia.

In Berlin, Ritz announced $1 million for a Brand Canada initiative that will raise awareness of Canadian agricultural products through retail and restaurant promotions.

"There's a global recognition that Canada produces a safe, quality, consistent food supply. Once we put the Brand Canada label on the products on the store shelves, through promotions, through advertising, through taste-tests, even culinary tourism, which is quite big over here, Canadian products just walk off the shelves. It's amazing," says Ritz.

Canadian agriculture and food exports to Germany totalled around $210 million in 2010.

"The largest production coming into Germany right now are soybeans, some $70 million a year. Certainly a good indication that there's room for canola to grow...we also know there's demand for good quality pork and beef, so it's a good testing ground for us," he says.

Ritz met with his German counterpart, Ilse Aigner, to discuss the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the need for science-based trade that tolerates a low level GMO presence.

He's now headed to Russia as part of a Canadian delegation meeting with Russian government and industry representatives.