The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) today welcomed the release of the first annual Market Access Report, a review of the Government of Canada’s plans and actions in securing and building access to markets globally for Canadian agricultural goods.
The report was released by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast. The report outlines the Government of Canada’s approach on market access, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s new Market Access Secretariat (MAS). The approach involves a strong working relationship between MAS and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and other departments.
“This coordinated approach with MAS has been instrumental in assisting the canola sector in maintaining and building access to key markets,” said CCC president JoAnne Buth. “This is an effective, action oriented group which gets results.”
The Market Access Report outlines the approach the government has taken to agriculture market access issues over the past year, and lists the accomplishments of government and industry working together on behalf of Canadian agriculture.
“The government’s market access team have played a central role in maintaining and increasing market access for canola in China and the U.S., and is working closely with the industry in other markets,” said Buth. “This approach is paying dividends for canola farmers and industry, and is helping to ensure that Canadian production and innovation is not limited by market barriers.”
“We urge the government to continue to focus on securing trade agreements with major economies, in partnering to support promotion of agricultural products and in building market access internationally. This approach will build economic growth and jobs in Canada’s agriculture sector.”
The CCC is a full value chain organization representing the entire canola industry, including growers, seed developers, crushers and exporters.
The report is available on AAFC website at www.ats-sea.agr.gc.ca/exp/5892-eng.htm.
