How governments can support Canada's canola industry
As the voice of the industry, the Canola Council encourages a
supportive environment for growth of canola production, processing,
research and consumption. We work closely with government
decision-makers, helping them understand potential barriers and
opportunities to help our industry succeed.
We encourage the federal government to act in accordance with
these seven principles.
1. Continue to invest in public
research
Canola's success is built on innovation. The federal government
needs to continue to invest in public research, and to maintain and
build a close partnership with private sector and university
research.
2. Support a made‐in‐Canada biodiesel
industry
The new 2% renewable biodiesel fuel mandate is a win‐win
initiative. The next important step is for government to support
new canola biodiesel production to help create a Canadian industry,
and to ensure that these jobs remain in Canada.
3. Invest in marketing the Canadian agriculture
brand internationally
Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada's Agri‐Marketing Program has a
track record of success in promoting canola in major markets. This
industry‐government cost shared program should continue.
4. Promote more open markets through trade
agreements
About 85% of Canadian canola is exported, so the Canola Council of
Canada supports the government's active and ambitious trade
negotiation agenda. Free trade discussions, especially with the
European community, South Korea and the World Trade Organization,
are important to industry growth and economic development.
5. Resolve chronic rail service
problems
The federal government needs to put a high priority on resolving
rail service issues that plague farmers and the entire industry.
The solutions need to be implemented swiftly and in a way that
creates positive impacts for shippers, farmers and Canadian
agriculture.
6. Maintain Canada's seed development and
biotechnology regulatory system based on principles of sound
science
Innovation is critical to canola. We need a regulatory system that
promotes research investment.
7. Business Risk Management Programs must be
responsive and trade neutral
A national farm income strategy should afford farmers risk
management tools that are transparent, market responsive, bankable
and that cover the real risks that farmers face. With a heavy
reliance on exports markets, all BRM programs must be trade
neutral.
Learn more about:
The
Canola Council of Canada
