June 19, 2012
The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) applauded today’s announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that Canada is being invited into the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. Canada is the 11th country to join the discussions aimed at regional trade liberalization.
“This announcement is good news for the canola industry,” says CCC president Patti Miller. “We appreciate the government’s efforts to expand market access and create a more predictable trade environment.”
The TPP is made up of nine countries on both sides of the pacific including the United States, Chile, Peru, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. In addition, Canada and Mexico have both been invited to join this week. An agreement among TPP member countries promises to enhance and stabilize trade in the Asia-Pacific region. With over 85% of canola exported, the expanding economies of the Asia-Pacific region are an important growth market for canola seed, oil and meal.
“Canola production in Canada continues to expand, and we have a healthy product that’s in demand around the world,” says Miller. “Today’s announcement is an important step to strengthen our market access as production grows.”
Including Mexico, TPP countries accounted for more than $3.8 billion in canola sales last year according to Statistics Canada.
The CCC is a full value chain organization representing the entire canola industry, including growers, seed developers, crushers and exporters. Canola is Canada’s most valuable crop, generating over $15.4 billion in economic activity each year and is responsible for 228,000 jobs.
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For more information, media may contact:
Jim Everson, Vice-President Corporate Affairs
Canola Council of Canada
613-488-9916
eversonj@canolacouncil.org
For background on the economic benefits of canola in Canada, visit the Canola Council of Canada’s Economic Impact Fact Sheet.
