It's been a tough growing season for canola farmers with extreme heat and lack of moisture across the Prairies. Canadian canola farmers are resilient and with the right tools and policies they can continue growing prosperity for their farms, and their communities, for years to come.
Canola has grown to be a strong contributor to Canada's economy:
- Canada's most widely seeded crop.
- The #1 source of farm revenue from crops for over a decade, earning $10.2 billion in farm cash receipts in 2020.
- Annually provides $29.9 billion to the Canadian economy and supports 207,000 Canadian jobs.
- $11.9 billion in exports in 2020.
Canadian Canola Growers Association has identified five priorities for the next government to unlock canola farmers' full potential and support the growth and stability of the sector. During this federal election, we encourage everyone who shares these priorities to stand with farmers and call on all parties to commit to taking action on these opportunities to grow Canadian prosperity.
Support canola farmers through increasing volatility and uncertainty
From extreme weather events such as this summer's drought, to international trade restrictions and rail transportation disruptions, farmers are facing increasing volatility and uncertainty. Farmers rely on Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to help manage risks that are beyond their control. It is critical that federal and provincial governments work together on the development of the next Agricultural Policy Framework to increase BRM funding. The programs in the BRM suite need to provide effective, timely, and predictable risk management tools that help farmers manage current and emerging risks.
Reward farmers' sustainability practices, and extend exemptions in the carbon pricing system
With farmers continuously improving their practices and adopting the latest innovations, Canadian farmland remains a carbon sink. Farmers' innovative environmental practices should be recognized and rewarded in Canada's carbon pricing system. Exemptions should be maintained and extended where an alternative fuel source is not viable, so that carbon pricing does not place an inequitable burden on them and stifle farm investment.
Enable increased domestic production of canola-based biofuel
When carefully constructed and well-implemented, domestic biofuel regulations can enable increased demand for Canadian canola, create a sizable new market and lessen our reliance on exports, while contributing to Canada's climate targets. Compliance requirements for domestically produced agricultural biofuel feedstock (such as canola) should be streamlined, data-driven, and recognize Canadian farmers' sustainable land-use practices for canola to be utilized to its fullest potential.
Promote rules-based trade, expand and diversify markets, regain full access to China
Canola farmers rely heavily on exports – more than 90% of all Canadian canola is sold abroad as seed, oil, or meal. To reach canola's full value, the government needs to support a modernized World Trade Organization, invest in market access by proactively addressing barriers to trade and enhancing Canada's advocacy capacity abroad, sign new free trade agreements in key regions, and ensure existing agreements are fully implemented. Restoring full market access of Canadian canola to China should also be a focus of the government.
Enhance competitiveness through regulatory modernization
Science-based regulatory processes for approving crop protection products and seed varieties are an important pillar needed to spur investment and ensure that farmers have access to the latest innovations, so they can compete globally and thrive locally. These innovations will help canola farmers improve their sustainability, continue to contribute to Canada's economic recovery, and support food security. Additionally, farmers need a modernized Canada Grain Act that will better align the Canadian Grain Commission with the needs of farmers now and into the future as markets and demand change for their product.