The Canola Council of Canada's (CCC) trade mission to China wrapped up in Beijing today.

On the mission, led by Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, the Council co-hosted the first official Canola Dialogue.

Jim Everson, President of the Canola Council, says during the Dialogue they signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Council and China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Products, and Animal By-Products, also known as the CFNA.

"We're very pleased to have a Memorandum of Understanding with them through which we will undertake outreach effort in China. Our goal is to broaden and deepen our relationship with Chinese industry and with representatives from the government, and the CFNA is very well placed to support the canola industry and the Canola Council of Canada in doing that."

Everson says, they welcomed Minister MacAulay's engagement and leadership on the mission, as the Dialogue was during a mission of Canadian industry and government to China.

"China is an important and valued export market for canola, and stronger trade ties facilitated through Minister MacAulay's visit, and events like the Canola Dialogue, will help bring more stability to this growing market."

After the U.S., China is the largest export market for Canada's canola and canola products, worth $2.7 billion in 2016.

The Council also hosted a canola meal research seminar, which highlighted the nutritional benefits of canola meal for livestock.

Bruce Jowett, Vice President of Market Development for the Council, says the seminar showed canola meal-fed pigs grow as well as soybean meal-fed pigs.

"I think it was pretty new news to those in attendance. They're able to go away from the seminar with an understanding of inclusion levels of up to 30 percent canola meal, which is at least double what they are presently putting into the ration."

Jowett says, there were 35 meal manufacturers in attendance.

The Council also hosted a canola oil media event, which showed the importance of canola oil's nutritional health benefits. The event included a presentation by Chinese nutritional expert Dr. Nancy Liu.

 

Send your news tips, story ideas and comments to jgiles@goldenwestradio.com