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Harper Government Invests in New Market Opportunities for Special Crops

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May 12, 2022 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today an investment of more than $230,000 to the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA) to increase export sales of special crops in markets abroad and increase the competitiveness of the mustard and sunflower seed industries.

This investment will help the CSCA promote Canadian pulses and special crops on trade missions and at international trade shows and advocate for favourable policies that will position Canada as a world leader and supplier of choice. The CSCA will also administer two projects led by the Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission and the National Sunflower Association of Canada to help increase global demand for mustard and sunflower seeds by improving variety options and highlighting their health and nutritional properties.

Quick Facts

• Established in 1987, The CSCA represents companies involved in the merchandising of Canadian pulse and special crops, including beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, canary seed, buckwheat, sunflower seed and mustard seed. With over 115 members, they represent over 85 per cent of the pulse and special crops produced in Canada.
• The Canadian pulse and special crop industry had an export value of more than $3 billion in 2013.
• The trade agreement between Canada and the European Union will significantly boost trade and investment ties. Upon entry into force, this agreement will eliminate tariffs of $56 a tonne on buckwheat, plus all tariffs on sunflower oil and snack foods.
• The Government continues to pursue the most aggressive trade agenda in Canadian history, and recently signed the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement. This agreement will expand market access opportunities for Canadian special crops.
• This investment is made through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, $341-million initiative under Growing Forward 2.

Quotes

"Our top-quality special crops have become a food staple around the world. Our government is proud to partner with industry to enhance the competitiveness of the sector and find new uses and grow our farmers bottom lines."

- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

"The multi-year Agri-Marketing funding will enable Canada's special crops industry to deliver innovative, healthy and sustainable foods consistently and reliably to markets around the world."

- Gordon Bacon, CEO of the Canadian Special Crops Association.

Associated Links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriMarketing Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Comprehensive Economic Trade and Agreement (Canada’s Economic Action Plan)
• Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada)

Media Contacts

Jeff English
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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