The measures fall short of what’s necessary, the industry says
Canada’s canola industry is displeased with the federal government’s recent announcements to support the sector.
Prime Minister Carney announced $370 million in funding last week to introduce a new biofuel production incentive to support canola growers as they feel the effects of China’s tariffs.
The other supports include changing Clean Fuel Regulations, increasing funding to the AgriMarketing Program, and increasing the interest-free limit to $500,000 for canola advances in the Advance Payments Program.
But these measures don’t address the issues of today, the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) and the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) say.
In terms of the APP, for example, putting producers into more debt isn’t the solution.
“Farmers should not be expected to borrow their way out of this situation," Rick White, president & CEO of the CCGA, said in a Sept. 5 statement. “The Advance Payments Program (APP) is not designed to provide the required support canola farmers need under this situation.”
In addition, the announced supports don’t include others along the canola value chain.
There are other players involved requiring help too, Chris Davidson, president and CEO of the CCC, said in the statement.
“The government has also not recognized extensive impacts on the rest of the canola value chain, including exporters and processors who are also facing significant financial impacts as a result of the Chinese market closure. This must be addressed,” he said.
Federal and provincial officials are in China addressing the tariff issue.
Sask. Premier Scott Moe, and Kody Blois, the parliamentary secretary to the prime minister, are there to engage in talks with a Chinese delegation.
Other ag industry groups are pleased with the federal government’s steps to support agriculture.
Farmers can be caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical issues. It’s important the government acknowledges this, said Rene Roy, chair of the Canadian Pork Council.
“As producers, we are caught in tariff challenges not of our own making, and our industry can sometimes be impacted by decisions not involving our industry,” he said in a Sept. 5 statement. “The Prime Minister’s announcement today is a recognition that pork, canola and seafood producers have been impacted unrelated to the quality of our products.”
China currently has 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian pork and seafood.