By Alice McFarlane

Canadian grains industry committed to finding new markets

May 4, 2022 | 3:16 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — The federal government will spend roughly $4.4 million over the next two years to support three industry organizations in their efforts to grow Canada’s grain exports.

Increasing markets for the grain industry benefits farmers and as the demand for Canadian grain exports continues to increase, it is important to find new trade opportunities.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said Canada’s grain sector is a major driver of economic growth and increasing demand for Canadian grain products from global markets makes sense.

“Canadian grain producers are a key link in global food security. Today’s investment will help industry organizations build new relationships in international markets so we can continue to feed a growing global population,” Bibeau said.

With funds under the federal AgriMarketing Program, Regina, Sask. based Prairie Oat Growers Association will receive up to $417,000 to promote the health, environmental benefits, and diverse uses of oats.

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Prairie Oat Growers president Jenneth Johanson said the AgriMarketing Program has been an important component of the organization’s success in increasing demand in international markets.

“Since 2015, Canada has been able to more than triple its oat exports to Mexico and in 2020 Canada realized the largest oat exports to Japan in years. The program has led to the incredible value-added growth seen in Western Canadian oat processing and increased demand for Canadian oat growers,” Johanson said.

Canadian oat millers have increased processing by over 34 per cent between 2017 and 2021 and they increased capacity by five times of some other Canadian cereal crops.

Cereals Canada Inc., based in Winnipeg, Man. will receive up to $3.52 million to reach new international markets.

Cereals Canada CEO, Dean Dias said Canada is known for its safe, reliable, high-quality cereals.

“Canadian wheat, barley and oats are shipped around the world to over 84 countries. We continue to provide customers technical support and market access success on behalf of our farmers, exporters, developers, and processors,” Dias said.

Canada Grains Council, based in Ottawa, Ont. will receive up to $461,000 to help increase and diversify Canadian grain exports to international markets.

Council Executive Vice-President Tyler Bjornson said the project will focus on reducing the potential impact of technology-related non-tariff trade barriers related to plant breeding.

“Countering non-tariff trade barriers for Canadian grain exports is a cornerstone of the work the Canada Grains Council undertakes on behalf of the grains and oilseeds value chain,” Bjornson said.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW