Friday, April 27, 2012
The Canola Council of Canada and the Canadian Canola Growers Association today issued a news release stating that concluding the Canada-EU trade agreement is a priority for the canola industry:
Canada’s canola industry is encouraged by steps being taken by the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, and the Government of Canada, to conclude negotiations on the Canada-EU Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). “The CETA is an excellent example of how the Government is helping Canadian farmers achieve export success in key markets around the world,” says Rick White, General Manager of the Canadian Canola Growers Association.
A joint study with the EU showed that a bi-lateral trade agreement would boost Canada’s total trade with the EU by up to 20 percent. The canola industry can benefit from this growth.
“A successful conclusion to the CETA negotiations can potentially benefit the canola industry through a reduction of oil tariffs and greater predictability and cooperation on trade issues, says Jim Everson, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Canola Council of Canada. “In the short-term we would anticipate more canola oil being exported for industrial purposes, including biodiesel. But there’s also potential for canola meal to supply some of the livestock feed demands in the EU.”
In addition, the CETA can build better clarity on the rules of trade between Canada and the EU, including resolving regulatory issues for products of biotechnology.
Canada’s canola industry depends on trade – 85% of farm production is exported to markets around the globe. “We welcome the substantial commitments that Ministers Fast and Ritz have made in support of market access and promotion,” says Everson. “Their commitment to travel to nations including China, Japan and India has been critical to advancing market access for Canadian canola around the world.”
“Enhancing our economic partnerships is vital to expanding trade in canola and many other Canadian agri-food exports that originate on Canadian farms,” says White. “While we look forward to a successful CETA negotiation, we encourage the Government of Canada to continue advancing forward on a number of other trade files including South Korea, Japan and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.”
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For further information, contact:
Kelly Green, Director of Communications
Canadian Canola Growers Association
Phone: 204.789.8821
E-mail: kellyg@ccga.ca
Jim Everson, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs
Canola Council of Canada
Phone: 613.488.9916
E-mail: eversonj@canolacouncil.org
