Canola Council Urges Canada to Act on Resuming Seed Trade With China

The Canadian government should increase its role in getting China to resume imports of canola, the Canola Council of Canada said in an April 17 news release. "As days have turned into weeks and a Canadian delegation has not yet been accepted by China, the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) is calling on the Government of Canada to consider all available options to resume seed trade," the group said. "While technical discussions are still required, continued delay shows that more options need to be considered."

China has prevented entry of multiple shipments of canola imports from Canada over pest concerns (see 1903270067). “China has every right to take action related to plant health for products entering their country, but they also have an obligation to explain the scientific basis for their actions,” CCC President Jim Everson said. “So far, we’ve seen little sign that China wants to engage in a science-based discussion, and therefore we need the Government of Canada to consider all available options.”

Specifically, Canada should appoint an "ambassador to China at the earliest opportunity to assist Canada’s diplomats in their ongoing work at our embassy in Beijing," the CCC said. The government should also review "all diplomatic, technical and legal tools to engage Chinese officials in resuming trade," it said. The group also called for government "support" for "producers through this uncertain time."