The federal government is investing $1 million into helping the Canola Council of Canada market the nutritional and quality characteristics of Canadian canola,Randy Hoback, the MP for Prince Albert, Sask. announced July 27.
The funds are also expected to assist the council in implementing long-term international strategies, which include market development as well as consumer awareness and branding.
“Canola is a great Canadian success story and our growers are responsible for producing the world’s finest canola,” said Hoback, acting on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “By helping the industry enter new markets and maintain existing ones, this investment will put more money into farmers’ pockets and help strengthen the entire economy.”
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“About 85 per cent of canola grown in Canada is exported, so our marketing efforts are incredibly important to the health of our entire industry,” said Canola Council of Canada president JoAnne Buth. “This investment will enable us to continue to maintain and develop markets around the world. It’s great news for our farmers, input suppliers, crushers and exporters.”
In 2010, Canada exported more than 12 million metric tonnes of canola seed, oil, and meal worth more than $6 billion to key markets including Japan, the U.S., Mexico and China. Canada is the number one exporter of canola in the world.
This $1.1 million investment is provided through the $88 million AgriMarketing program, under Growing Forward, which helps industry associations implement long-term international strategies including activities such as international market development, industry-to-industry trade advocacy, and consumer awareness and branding.
