November 3, 2016 – The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) applauds today’s announcement by Minister of Transport Marc Garneau of Transportation 2030, a plan that includes a promise to introduce legislative changes for rail service to allow the industry to better meet customer needs. Rail service is essential to move canola to domestic and export markets.
“The ability of the canola sector to meet the needs of our customers depends on predictable and reliable rail service,” says Patti Miller, president of the CCC. “Today’s commitment by Minister Garneau outlines a plan to give our sector the service we need to keep creating growth and jobs from international demand.”
The vast majority of Canada’s canola crop moves by rail to export position – 90 percent of seed exports, and 85 percent of value-added oil and meal exports.
“Considering the importance of rail transportation for the canola sector to get our products to market, improving rail service and logistics has been a priority area for our industry,” says Miller.
Members of the canola value chain have been very active on the specific elements needed for predictable and reliable rail service including the Canadian Canola Growers Association, the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association and the Western Grain Elevator Association.
“The canola value chain is driving growth through profitable production, value-added processing and exports,” says Miller. “With the longest distance to port of any major grain producer in the world, rail service is an essential requirement for the Canadian canola industry to grow and support communities across the country.”
The CCC is a full value chain organization representing canola growers, processors, life science companies and exporters. Keep it Coming 2025 is the strategic plan to ensure the canola industry’s continued growth, demand, stability and success – achieving 52 bushels per acre to meet global market demand of 26 million metric tonnes by the year 2025. The CCC will celebrate its 50th anniversary at the annual Canola Council Convention, March 7-9, 2017 in Winnipeg, MB.
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Media may contact:
Heidi Dancho, Director, Communications
204-982-2108
