OREANDA-NEWS. September 26, 2016. As one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural and agri-food products, stable and predictable access to international markets is essential to Canadians.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, welcomed the announcement that Canada and China have signed agreements supporting the export of canola and beef, which will help farmers by creating jobs, opportunities and growth in the agricultural sector.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and China’s Premier Li Keqiang agreed to a memorandum of understanding that outlines stable and predictable trade for Canadian exports of canola to China, while collaborative work continues. The agreement provides a science-based approach for Canadian canola producers and allows trade between the two countries to continue on an uninterrupted basis through early 2020. Exports of canola will continue under existing conditions.

Minister MacAulay met with Zhi Shuping, China’s Minister of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, to discuss key agricultural trade issues, including canola and beef, setting a positive tone for his planned visit to China in November.

The two countries renewed the four-year Action Plan on Agriculture Cooperation between Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and China’s Ministry of Agriculture (2016-2020).

The Minister of International Trade yesterday in Montr?al was thrilled to witness the signing of the memorandum ensuring stable canola trade into the future. She met with Gao Hucheng, China’s Minister of Commerce, and separately with Minister Zhi, who signed the canola memorandum. The ministers discussed the recent agreement on canola and reaffirmed their commitment to developing a lasting solution.

The two countries also announced five additional initiatives that will improve access to the Chinese market for Canadian producers and processors. Notably, Canada and China signed a protocol to expand market access for Canadian frozen bone-in beef and have also advanced several key initiatives to support trade in Canadian pork, bovine genetics and some processed foods.

As Canada’s second-largest trading partner, China offers significant opportunities for exports. In 2015, Canadian agricultural exports to China were valued at \\$5.6 billion.

Quotes

“By promoting and expanding market access to China, the government is ensuring our agriculture industry remains a central driver of the Canadian economy. These milestone agreements on canola, beef and other agricultural products will help create jobs, opportunities and growth for farmers and the Canadian agricultural sector.”

- Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, P.C., M.P., Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“These agreements are terrific news for our farmers. China is a vital export market for many Canadian businesses, and this government’s relationship with China has today delivered concrete results. This new agreement on canola will help Canadian farmers and producers, their families and the middle class by providing stable and predictable conditions for years to come.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

  • Canola is Canada’s second-largest export and top agricultural export to China. In 2015, Canadian exports of canola for oilseed crushing were valued at \\$2 billion.
  • In 2015, Canadian beef exports to China totaled \\$255 million.
  • The Canadian cattle industry estimates that new access for bone-in beef will generate an increase in Canadian beef exports of approximately \\$10 million annually.