Story Posted: January 11, 2010

Canola Industry Receives Valuable Market Access Program

Kelvin Meadows, Chair of SaskCanola today thanked the federal government for the announced $7.8 million Canola Market Access Plan that will address global market access and trade for the canola industry.

"We appreciate the support that Canada's Economic Action Plan has delivered today for the development of a market access plan to assist and benefit our canola industry going forward, "Meadows stated.

"The Saskatchewan canola industry is the largest of its kind globally. Millions of acres are grown in our province which in turn produce tremendous financial returns not only to our farmers, but to their communities and our economy," Meadows said.

In 2008, more than 26,000 registered producers received $2 billion in farm cash receipts. It is estimated that canola delivers $5 billion in overall economic impact and generates thousand of jobs in the province.

"International market access and export of our crop is imperative. As farmers, and as an industry, we must be vigilant to the trade and access issues which directly impact cash flow to farmers and our economies. The announcement today is vital; it is all about securing and maintaining export markets into the future to support farm livelihoods and generate economic benefits to our local and provincial economies."

Increased canola production in Saskatchewan is spurred by an extensive export market place which has not only attracted new processing businesses, but has allowed existing processing operations to expand. Four major crushing facilities are operating in the province to service the demand for canola world wide and two new specialized protein processing facilities are providing specialized products to a growing export market. Research and development companies are also relocating and centralizing their operations in Saskatchewan which will benefit and enhance canola farming opportunities and business.

"The outlook for the Saskatchewan and indeed the Canadian canola industry is dynamic. The additional support to secure, reopen and maintain the export market for our products is welcomed by our producers. We are proud to be a part of this thriving Canadian agriculture success story," Meadows concluded.

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