Harper Government Secures Expanded Market Access for Canadian Canola
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast announced Tuesday that Canadian canola growers and exporters will have expanded access to the Chinese market.
The announcement comes as China approved an additional oilseed crushing facility, which will soon begin accepting exports of Canadian canola. In 2012 canola added over $1.9 billion to the Canadian economy and the expansion is expected to increase sales.
"Today's announcement is a result of continued collaboration and an important step to further expand canola exports to China," said Minister Ritz. "Our government's top priority remains the economy, and by resolving market issues in countries like China, we are helping to increase Canadian exports and deliver real results for Canadian farmers."
Canadian canola seed exports to China have been impacted since 2009 by import restrictions related to blackleg. Since this time Canada and the canola industry have been working with the Chinese to mitigate this risk. This cooperation has proved to be successful as China agreed to grant additional export access to its oilseed crushing facility in Nantong, in the Jiangsu Province. This access allows 600,000 metric tonnes per year on a trail-basis until a long-term solution can be reached.
"We welcome China's decision to further open access for Canadian canola seed", said Canola Council of Canada president Patti Miller." This underscores the value of science in resolving technical trade issues, and the importance of close industry - government collaboration in building and maintaining market access."