Canada and EU strengthen trade ties by removing long standing flaxseed barrier
May 1 will be a big day for flaxseed farmers across Canada when an important change in international agricultural trade will take effect. A long-standing testing rule for Canadian flaxseed exports to the European Union comes to an official end.
Canada is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of flaxseed, supplying high quality products to global markets every day. Flaxseed (oilseed flax) is grown primarily in the Prairie provinces, with Saskatchewan being the largest producer and Manitoba and Alberta also growing the crop.
This rule, known as the Sampling and Testing Protocol, was introduced in 2009 after trace amounts of an unauthorized genetically modified flaxseed variety were found in a shipment bound for Europe.
Although the issue was related to regulatory approval and not food safety, exports were temporarily stopped. To restore trade, Canada and the European Union agreed on a strict testing system for every shipment.
“Thanks to Canada’s producers and processors, we are known globally for the quality, safety and reliability of our food exports. Increasing trade with our European partners means more opportunities for Canadian farmers and processors to grow their businesses, create good jobs, and build up our economy,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“The Government of Canada is absolutely committed to supporting the industry as we open new doors, drive growth, and showcase the best of Canada to the world,” said MacDonald.
Over the years, Canada worked closely with industry partners and regulatory agencies to remove this variety from the supply chain. Continuous testing showed no detections for more than a decade, proving the reliability of Canada’s farming and grain handling systems.
However, the protocol added extra costs and paperwork for farmers and exporters, making Canadian flaxseed less competitive in global markets.
After reviewing strong scientific data and testing results, Canada formally requested the removal of the protocol in 2024. This request was recently accepted by the European Union, confirming confidence in the safety and quality of Canadian flaxseed.
The removal of this trade barrier is expected to improve income opportunities for farmers, reduce export costs, and strengthen trade relations between Canada and the EU.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Ilo Frey.