​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Winnipeg, MB  --  Canada’s canola farmers are seeking ambitious progress under the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations. The statement was released on the heels of the Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting and the Cairns Group Farm Leaders meeting, which concluded in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan this week.

“Our position on Doha is consistent with the communiqué released earlier this week by the Cairns Group Farm Leaders,” says Rick White, General Manager of the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA). “Farmers need a more ambitious deal that opens up markets throughout the world.” On average, more than 80 percent of Canada’s canola crop is exported as either seed or valued-added products, which highlights the importance of science-based trade rules for farmers.

“After 10 years of negotiations, it is a real disappointment to see these talks stalling at a time when access to food supplies couldn’t be more important,” says White. “We recognize the commitment made this week by the Cairns Group of Agriculture Ministers, and Canada’s Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, for a more open agricultural trading system that supports farmers’ ability to innovate by calling for rules-based trade rooted in sound science.”

The CCGA represents Canada’s 43,000 canola farmers on national and international issues that impact farm profitability. The Association attended this week’s Cairns Group Farm Leaders meeting, along with other members of Canada’s agri-food trade sector.

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