(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Canadian canola

Canola working group discusses trade with China

Apr 8, 2019 | 3:54 PM

A working group created to discuss ways to resolve the canola trade dispute with China met for the first time.

Representatives discussed key subjects including the importance of focusing on a science-based solution, future opportunities to expand into new markets for canola and reviewed support available to affected producers.

Co-chaired by the deputy minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the president of Canola Council of Canada (CCC) working group membership includes the president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the president the Canadian Canola Growers Association, deputy ministers from the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba as well as other senior government and industry officials.

In addition to creating the working group, the federal government also recently called for in-depth technical meetings with Chinese officials, proposing to send a delegation of Canadian plant health experts to China to meet face-to-face.

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CCC President Jim Everson said it is imperative that they find a science-based solution to the issue.

“We look forward to getting a response from Chinese authorities regarding the proposed Canadian delegation,” Everson said in a news release. “Resuming canola seed exports with China is the canola industry’s top priority. It is essential for our farmers and their families, and for our entire agricultural industry.”

The working group will continue to meet regularly to monitor the situation.

The group was created after China suspended the licences of two Canadian companies to export their canola seed to China, citing non-compliance with their plant health requirements. China also strengthened their inspection measures on all Canadian canola seed shipments.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF