​​​​​​​​​​​​Winnipeg, MB  --  Canada’s canola farmers are encouraged by today’s statement from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, announcing that the current membership of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) supports Canada’s entry into the negotiations.

“With a large and ever-increasing population, the Asia-Pacific region continues to grow in economic importance and is a priority market for Canadian canola products,” says Todd Hames, President of the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA).

“We support Canada’s entry into the TPP agreement, because of the significant opportunity the region presents to the canola industry and canola growers,” says Rick White, General Manager of CCGA.  Together, TPP countries, including Mexico, represent approximately $3.8 billion in canola exports.

“With Mexico recently announcing their acceptance into TPP and Japan also having applied for membership, it is critical for Canada to gain entry to this agreement,” says White.

The TPP is a free trade agreement currently under negotiation by nine countries, including: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the U.S. and Vietnam. With the participation of Canada and Mexico the market that encompasses the TPP membership will comprise 658 million people and a GDP of $20.5 trillion.

“Canada’s canola farmers are pleased to see the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to improving the competitiveness of Canadian farmers and helping them to pursue opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region,” says Hames. “We encourage the government to officially enter the TPP negotiations at its earliest opportunity.”

The Canadian Canola Growers Association represents more than 43,000 canola farmers on national and international issues that impact farm profitability.

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Contact:
Kelly Green, Director of Communications
Phone: 204.789.8821
E-mail: kellyg@ccga.ca