Some organic grain buyers have joined a group of growers in calling for an end to the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly on organic wheat and barley exports. They say the CWB’s buyback policy is thwarting potential sales, forcing them to look elsewhere for grain. “A lot of growers will step out of the negotiation because […] Read more
Sean Pratt
Stories by Sean Pratt
Growers won’t see bean prices jump
Dry bean prognosticators expect smaller crops in Canada and the United States, which should have a firming effect on markets. “I guess I’m cautiously bullish on prices,” said Ivan Sabourin, president of Roy Legumex Inc., a major Manitoba exporter of special crops. In last week’s planting intentions report, the United States Department of Agriculture forecast […] Read more
Mandatory organic rules in the works
Canada is moving toward a mandatory, government-regulated organic system, which officials hope will be in place in time to meet a looming European Union deadline. Exporting countries have until Dec. 31, 2005, to negotiate organic regulation equivalency agreements with one of the most important organic markets in the world. EU officials have implied that a […] Read more
Think outside the bottle, says bioplastics expert
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – A materials physicist says farmers should start thinking about how to participate in a new value-added industry that turns canola and flax into plastics, chemicals and fuels. Suresh Narine, director of the Alberta Bioplastics Network, plans to build such a plant in Alberta within the next three years. He hopes to […] Read more
Food safety issue makes demands on growers
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – The prospect of being forced to implement on-farm safety procedures isn’t sitting well with canola producers. The issue was raised during the “hot topics” session at the Canola Council of Canada’s annual meeting. Council president Barbara Isman asked delegates how they felt about impending on-farm Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points, or […] Read more
Rules may halt canola to China
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – There is a good chance Canada will be locked out of one of its most important canola markets later this month. China has set an April 20 deadline for developers of genetically modified crops to attain safety certificates required under new regulations. “If they have not obtained the safety certificate, they […] Read more
Spread good word, canola growers told
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – A food industry expert says canola people are doing an abysmal job of promoting their product. “You have to be more aggressive,” Bob Messenger told delegates attending the 37th annual Canola Council of Canada meeting. “You have to learn how to talk to the consumer.” Messenger, who publishes an on-line food […] Read more
Canola losing its oil: buyer
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – Buyers of Canadian canola are concerned the industry’s preoccupation over omega 3 acids and trans fats may come at the expense of other important crop attributes. “Every year we worry about how much oil content (shipments contain) or we worry about quality. So maybe we should continue to keep in mind […] Read more
Canola council answers criticism
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – Canada’s canola industry is well on the way to correcting the failing grade it recently received in marketing 101. Grower groups and crushers are poised to launch a major sales and promotion blitz in the United States co-ordinated by the Canola Council of Canada. In the next few weeks, canola oil […] Read more
Oilseed volumes, price outlook bright
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – A presentation on the world oilseed supply and demand outlook left Beiseker, Alta., producer Kenton Ziegler in a cheerful disposition. “For the first time in the last 10 years I feel like not only will canola go up, but I think all grains are going to benefit from this tight squeeze,” […] Read more
