Tweed Congratulates Agriculture Minister on Deal With China

Canada Makes Historic Progress On Agriculture Partnerships In China

BRANDON, April 19, 2010 – Merv Tweed, MP for Brandon-Souris is pleased with the agricultural partnership agreed to between Canada and China.  Agriculture Minister, The Honourable Gerry Ritz made the announcement following a trade mission to Beijing and Inner Mongolia where he and Canadian Farm leaders worked together to strengthen export opportunities for Canadian pulses, canola, beef, grain, and hogs.

“The announcement by Minister Ritz and the partnership agreed to between Canada and China is further evidence that our Government is continuing to put Canadian producers interests first,” said Tweed.  “Our Conservative Government recognizes the importance of Agriculture to the Canadian economy.”

Canadian pulse exports to China are projected to expand rapidly.  According to industry estimates and overwhelming interest from Chinese buyers, Pulse Canada projects that pulse exports to China will increase to $500 million from the current $100 million. 

Minister Ritz also continued to work with Chinese officials to resolve restrictions on Canadian canola exports to China.  “Resolving the blackleg restrictions on our canola to China will take more time and hard work,” said Minister Ritz.  “While we continue to do that work as quickly as possible, we’re also moving forward by finding new ways to increase the value of canola in the Chinese market, such as boosting demand for meal in their dairy industry.”

“Our Government continues to make progress on Agricultural trade,” said Tweed.  “We are continuing to see results from the hard work being done between Canada and our trading partners that benefit our producers and the Canadian economy.”