Ag Minister Still Pushing For Resumed Canola Exports To China

Nov 14, 2019

Alberta's Agriculture and Forestry Minister is calling resumed Canadian beef and pork exports to China a good first step.

Devin Dreeshen spoke to a room full of farmers and industry representatives on Thursday, November 7 at the Alberta Crop Commissions' Agri-Trade Breakfast in Red Deer.

However, Dreeshen says it's still unfortunate China has not re-opened their market to Canadian canola.

"[It's] something that we as a province will continue to advocate to the Federal Government. Also, I've met with the Chinese Consul General, and again, push at that level as well."

Dreeshen adds, it's nice to see other Provincial Governments also advocating to regain this important market access for farmers.

Since market access issues affecting canola seed trade started in early March, Chinese importers remain unwilling to purchase Canadian canola seed from exporters, according to the Canola Council of Canada.

The Council says the licenses of the two companies, Richardson and Viterra, to export canola seed to China remain suspended, however canola oil and meal exports continue.

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.