It looks like China has dropped the other shoe, after first treading into the trade war area three weeks ago. China stops buying Canadian canola. It’s no longer just Richardson International that’s prevented from selling Canadian canola to China. While the Chinese customs authority does not appear to have explicitly banned Canada’s canola from being […] Read more
Author Archives
China drops the other shoe – on Canadian canola
Not much for Canada to do but carry on building new markets
Canada needs to find like-minded nations on trade field
Canada is avoiding being a naive boy scout, resisting the temptation to play bully, and trying to find a way to be a canny survivor. For Canadian farmers, exporting has suddenly become vexatious. Figuring out how to move forward without being a sucker or a fool is one of the keys to future Canadian farm […] Read more
Canola council makes Ritz honorary lifetime member
MONTREAL — It was vintage Gerry Ritz who took to the podium to collect an honorary lifetime member award from the Canola Council of Canada at its recent convention. “You guys embraced the changes. You embraced the challenges. We did it together,” said Ritz in a pithy and focused speech lasting less than three minutes […] Read more
Bibeau uses recent agricultural conference to meet producers
MONTREAL — Canada’s new agriculture minister has presented herself to farmers as a serious and dynamic person who is looking forward to tackling farmers’ issues. “I’m here to listen, and I intend to deliver,” Marie-Claude Bibeau said at the Canadian Crops Convention March 7, her first official function as agriculture minister after being appointed March […] Read more
Sector hopes to contain canola ban
MONTREAL — Farmers and the rest of the canola industry are watching anxiously to see if China extends an import ban beyond Richardson International. As of late March 11, only Richardson had reported losing its China import licence, but other grain companies and exporters had reported sales bogging down for a few months. Richardson vice-president […] Read more
Importers still committed to Canada
Despite recent trade hiccup with China, international buyers of Canadian food say the country has much to offer them
MONTREAL — Whenever a trade dispute erupts, markets can tank and the future for Canada’s export-reliant farmers can look grim. But a panel of international importers told the Canadian Crops Convention that many lasting trends in foreign markets look good for Canadian crops. And for all the high-profile disputes, there are also opportunities not getting […] Read moreNo signs of crisis evident at canola council meetings
MONTREAL — The Canola Council of Canada has emerged from its near-death experience with a renewed sense of vigour and purpose. Rather than flying apart, it appears to have re-bonded its relationships and is being forged closer together in the face of common struggles with issues like access to China and neonicotinoids. “I think it’s […] Read more
Feds offer help on canola file
MONTREAL — Canadian canola growers have federal heavyweights working on their behalf in the current situation with China, say two Liberal cabinet ministers. “We are working very hard on that,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland from the stage at the first Canadian Crops Convention March 6, which brings together the Canola Council of Canada […] Read more
International order best defence in protectionist times
MONTREAL — Do you know much about the so-called “rules-based international order?” You should. You’re probably one of its champions and shining stars. Canadian farmers (in free market industries) are outstanding examples of producers who can grow and raise commodities that are among the world’s best and get them to customers around the world at […] Read more
Ag minister Bibeau discusses priorities at first official function
MONTREAL — Canada’s new Agriculture Minister has presented herself to farmers as a serious and dynamic person who is looking forward to tackling farmers’ issues. “I’m here to listen, and I intend to deliver,” Marie-Claude Bibeau said at the Canadian Crops Convention March 7, her first official function as Agriculture Minister, after being appointed March […] Read more
