Japan and Korea mission sets stage for future export growth

April 17, 2014 –The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) thanks Government efforts to help build stable and open trade relationships in key Asian markets. CCC President Patti Miller just returned from a successful trade mission led by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz which focused on creating new export opportunities in Korea and increasing agricultural trade ties with Japan.

“The leadership and support shown by the Government plays an important role in securing and growing export markets for Canadian canola,” says Miller.

Minister and delegation meetings with key Korean import interests were a timely follow up to the March 11 announcement of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which will allow Canadian canola seed, oil and meal to enter the Korean market tariff-free and on a level playing field with other oilseeds. “We see increased opportunity for canola oil and meal to South Korea under the new trade agreement,” says Miller. “Canola product imports in the country could double.”

In Japan, Minister Ritz and CCC met with Japanese canola oil processors to address challenges related to transportation and timely grain export shipments. “Government actions on transportation have helped assure Japanese customers of Canada’s ability to continue to be a reliable supplier of canola,” says Miller. Japan is a key market for Canadian canola seed, with exports valued at $1.4 billion in 2013. 

“With 90 percent of everything we produce going to export markets, missions like these are critical to our industry,” says Miller. “We are pleased with the Government of Canada’s initiative and support to help set the stage for future growth.” 

The CCC is a full value chain organization representing growers, seed developers, processors and exporters. The industry generates $19.3 billion in economic activity in Canada annually.

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Media may contact:

Heidi Rubeniuk, Director, Communications

204-982-2108

rubeniukh@canolacouncil.org

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