Canadian wheat producers will have more export destinations within Colombia

May 06, 2015

Colombia is Canada’s 7th largest market for wheat

In an effort to expand the reach of Canada’s wheat in foreign countries, Prime Minister Harper has developed a better wheat trade relationship with Colombia.

As a result of consistent communication between Canada and the South American country, Colombia has eased their phytosanitary (measures for the control of plant diseases, especially in agricultural crops) import requirements.

Not only will Colombia benefit from the high-quality and safe grains coming from Canada, but farmers and others working in the grain industry could benefit too.

"Our Government is creating new economic opportunities for Canadian grain producers by opening and expanding our access to markets around the world,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “By increasing trade and ensuring producers can earn their living from the marketplace, we are creating more jobs, growth and prosperity for all Canadians."

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

Colombia is Canada’s 7^th largest market when it comes to wheat exports. In 2014, Canada’s total exports to the South American country totalled about $348 million – up from only $133 million in 2013. The Canada-Colombia Free-Trade Agreement assisted with the increase.

"Colombia is a growing market in a region of growing potential for Canadian wheat,” said Cam Dahl, President of Cereals Canada. “Colombia is an important market and the resolution of concerns with Canadian exports to Colombia is important to increasing exports to the entire region.”

Join the conversation and tell us what you think about these new export opportunities for wheat farmers to market their products in Colombia. Would you consider increasing your wheat production as a result?

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.