July 6, 2010

Canada to push China on rapeseed exports

Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz promised to continue to press Beijing to lift restrictions on imports of Canadian rapeseed.

Ritz is wrapping up his third trade mission to China in less than a year to boost ties with the world's biggest consumer of agricultural products.

During the most recent trip China agreed to take the regulatory steps needed to lift a ban on Canadian boneless beef aged less than 30 months. The announcement came a week after a preliminary accord paved the way for access to the Chinese market for Canadian beef.

"There's a world of opportunity for our producers in China, and that future is built on a history of strong trade partnership," said Ritz. "This is a vital step forward in the breakthrough agreement that will see Canada's safe, high quality beef back on Chinese store shelves and more black back on the bottom line for producers."

China imposed restrictions on the Canadian rapeseed last November after a shipment tested positive for a fungal disease. "I will continue to raise, at every opportunity, the rapeseed restrictions with my Chinese counterparts, as we work together to reach a lasting agreement to permanently lift restrictions on Canadian rapeseed exports to China," Ritz said in the statement, adding progress has been made.

Canada recently secured an extension of temporary measures allowing producers to export their 2010 crops.