Grain producers anticipate new trade opportunities

OTTAWA -- The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) is pleased with news of the federal government's accomplishments on recent trade missions to Turkey, India and Italy. Canadian grain producers may look forward to increased market opportunities based on the announcements made  yesterday by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz.

Pulse producers have developed strong export markets in Turkey and are poised to make additional gains. Pulse Canada has estimated that a free trade agreement that eliminates Turkey's import duties on Canadian pulses by up to 20% would strengthen the investment environment and continue to drive export growth, which has expanded by 400% since 2005.

"Strategic trade missions such as this are vital to establishing Canadian competitiveness and bringing profitability to the farm gate," said Ron Bonnett, CFA President. "CFA members are pleased with the government's trade efforts and look forward to working in partnership on further bilateral trade opportunities."

"In moving ahead with exploratory trade talks, the CFA reiterates to the government that farmers of one commodity should not be positioned to benefit in a way that is detrimental to farmers of other commodities," added Bonnett.

Science-based principles are essential for increasing Canadian competitiveness abroad. To this end, the CFA is pleased that Minister Ritz signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the sharing of science and technical information in the areas of production and processing of value added products. As a result, there is agreement to begin technical negotiations to resolve a number of market access issues.

The CFA welcomes the agreement between the Canadian government and India to find a long term solution which would allow pulse fumigation at Indian ports. This will help reduce uncertainty, significant delays and costs to Canadian farmers while ensuring uninterrupted supply of pulses to India. While Indian officials now review a draft technical document as the basis for this solution, the pulse crop industry will benefit from a derogation extension until March 31, 2011.