Canada’s trade deficit in pasta grows

The Western Canadian Wheat Growers are getting the word out about Canada's trade deficit in durum.

The group says Canada is importing more durum despite being the world's largest producer.

“The CWB often boasts that Canada is the world's largest exporter of durum wheat. What they fail to mention is that Canada is a large and growing net importer of pasta,” Stephen Vandervalk, vice president of the Alberta growers, said in a news release.

The trade deficit of pasta imports has gone from $67 million in 2005 to $223 million in 2009.

In contrast, Canada's canola oil trade surplus was $1.4 billion in 2009.

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The growers place the blame on the constraints of the Canadian Wheat Board which they say prevents farmers from selling their durum direct to processors.

“Western Canadian farmers can only look longingly at our neighbors to the south, who enjoy ready access to durum mills and pasta plants on their doorstep,” Vandervalk said.

“Farmers also get a higher price for their durum and can sweep their bins clean if they so wish,” he said.

The message coincided with World Pasta Day on October 25th.