New Funding Aimed at Supporting Canola Access to Global Markets

The federal government on Tuesday announced $1.8 million for the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) to help keep Canadian canola exports moving.

When combined with contributions from the canola industry, up to $3.6 million will be invested over the next two years to advance the canola industry’s Keep it Coming 2025 strategic priorities: differentiated value in the marketplace, and stable, open trade.

According to a CCC release, the funding will help the industry proactively address and resolve trade barriers in international markets, foster market diversification, as well as build the value and reputation of canola around the world through activities, such as:

• Seeking full recognition of Canadian canola’s world-leading sustainability practices so that canola can generate the most value as a low-carbon renewable feedstock.
• Building relations with customers and their governments to address trade inhibiting practices before they become market access issues.
• Engaging with existing and potential customers in key markets to demonstrate the latest research-backed benefits, quality characteristics and reliable supply of canola seed, oil and meal.
• Conducting in-market research and outreach to support canola’s brand as a healthy oil and high quality, versatile meal, and address changing market demands.
• Proactively working to ensure Canadian canola meets the requirements of export customers – such as efforts through the Keep it Clean program and monitoring potential risks in major export markets

Efforts will be focused on established and emerging global markets including the US, China, Mexico, Japan, the European Union, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Pakistan.

Although sharply reduced production across Western Canada due to summer drought is expected to slash shipments in 2021-22, Canada’s canola industry relies heavily on international markets, with about 90% of the canola grown in Canada being exported.

“This joint investment is great news for the entire canola value chain as we focus on the needs and challenges of a dynamic and evolving global trade environment,” said CCC President Jim Everson. “Canola is an important driver of the Canadian economy, and this investment will help ensure the canola industry is leading the way towards the federal government’s objective of $75 billion in agri-food exports by 2025.”