(File photo/ farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

International exports

Canola council meets with trade minister

Mar 28, 2019 | 6:15 PM

Representatives rom the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) met Thursday with Canada’s trade diversification minister, and to no one’s surprise, China’s suspension of Canadian Canola exports was the focus of discussions.

According to a statement on the canola council’s website, the two sides discussed what’s required to resolve challenges facing the canola seed exports to China.

“We are confident that the Government of Canada understands the impact that losing the Chinese seed market has on canola growers and the whole value chain, and is committed to working with China to reopen the market as soon as possible,” the statement said.

China’s Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday suspension of a second major Canadian canola exporter, Viterra, due to concerns around hazardous organisms. The allegations of safety issues come as Beijing’s diplomatic row with Ottawa deepens following the detention of a top Chinese telecom executive.

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During the meeting Thursday, the Canola Council said they affirmed that Canada’s canola is of the highest quality, and that trade with China must continue to be based on science.

“Given the importance of the Chinese seed market, the Canola Council affirmed that resuming seed trade to China is the first priority of the industry. Growing opportunities to export canola to other countries, diversifying away from China, was also discussed,” the statement said.

Jim Carr, along with the Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau plan to be in Saskatoon Friday to meet with agricultural industry leaders and their provincial counterparts. They’ll be discussing market access issues and priorities for Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell