Winnipeg, MB – Canada's canola farmers welcomed today's news from International Trade Minister François-Philippe Champagne that Canada and 10 additional members have successfully concluded discussions on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
"This is excellent news for canola farmers," says Jack Froese, President of the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) and a farmer from Manitoba. "The CPTPP creates opportunities that will benefit our farms, our communities and our nation's economy."
"The CPTPP provides a platform to diversify canola exports and expand our trade within the growing Asia-Pacific region," says Rick White, CEO of CCGA. "It will help to solidify Canada's position in the region and put Canada on a level playing field with competitors, such as Australia, who have bilateral trade agreements in place with key CPTPP members."
Collectively, the member nations of the CPTPP imported more than $2 billion of Canadian canola seed, oil and meal in 2016. Japan remained the most important market, purchasing $1.2 billion of canola seed.
A study commissioned by the Canola Council of Canada found that when tariffs are fully eliminated in Japan and Vietnam, exports of Canadian canola oil and meal could increase by up to $780 million per year. Processing more canola in Canada means economic growth for the domestic economy, more jobs for Canadians and growth opportunities for farmers.
Diversifying trade and ensuring new market access opportunities are critical for canola farmers who export nearly 90% of what they grow. CCGA, along with other stakeholders, has long advocated for a successful conclusion to the CPTPP.
"We want to thank Minister Champagne and Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, for securing a successful conclusion to this important agreement," says Froese. "We look forward to the official signing in March and speedy ratification thereafter."
CCGA represents more than 43,000 canola farmers on national and international issues, policies and programs that impact farm profitability.
Contact:
Kelly Green, Director of Communications
t: 204.789.8821 e: kellyg@ccga.ca