(Alice McFarlane/farmnewsNOW Staff)

By Alice McFarlane

Canadian canola

Council wants stronger action on canola trade

Apr 17, 2019 | 3:45 PM

The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) is calling on the federal government to consider all available options to resume seed trade with China.

CCC President Jim Everson said while technical discussions are still required, continued delay shows more options need to be considered. A Canadian delegation has not yet been accepted by China.

“Trade must be based on science and commitments to trade rules must be respected,” Everson said in a news release. “China has every right to take action related to plant health for products entering their country, but they also have an obligation to explain the scientific basis for their actions. We’ve seen little sign that China wants to engage in a science-based discussion, and therefore we need the Government of Canada to consider all available options.”

While technical discussions have taken place between the Chinese and Canadian governments, progress depends on an in-person meeting that has yet to occur.

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“As time ticks by, uncertainty is growing and income that drives our economy is being lost,” Everson said. “These are extraordinary circumstances that will require significant extra effort to resolve.”

Since market access issues affecting canola seed trade started in early March, Chinese buyers remain unwilling to purchase Canadian canola seed. The licenses of two companies, Richardson and Viterra, to export canola seed to China have been suspended.

The CCC recommends the federal government appoint an ambassador to China at the earliest opportunity to assist Canada’s diplomats in their ongoing work at the embassy in Beijing, support producers by taking action as recommended by grower organizations and review all diplomatic, technical and legal tools to engage Chinese officials in resuming trade.

“China is a valued market for Canadian canola and Canada’s canola sector is committed to a predictable and mutually rewarding trading relationship, based on quality and on science,” Everson said. “We urge Canadian and Chinese officials to engage genuinely to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible.”

Producers can participate in a webinar April 18 at 2 p.m. CDT.

CCC board chair and SaskCanola director Charlene Bradley, Everson and Canadian Canola Growers Association CEO Rick White will speak followed by 15 to 20 minutes for questions.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF