Obtain support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada "Agri-Marketing" Program for market development.
Policies or Program
Accurate agricultural statistical reporting - Statistics Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Each year Statistics Canada and AAFC issue statistics/predictions on the area and production of canola. These numbers are often changed, sometimes dramatically, months after the initial numbers. This can affect the marketing of canola negatively and the Canola Council asks that these agencies improve their statistical reporting.
Agriculture Trade - multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products.
Biosafety Protocol - Canada's position to ensure protection of biodiversity and maintaining trade. The Canola Council does not support government ratification of the BSP. We do support the protection of biodiversity as long as it is consistent with international trade practises.
Health claims - Health Canada does not issue health claims for specific products, unlike the U.S. where canola oil has a health claim. The Canola Council is asking Health Canada to review its policy to harmonize with the U.S.
Health/Safety/Environment approval framework for Plants with Novel Traits. The Canola Council supports a science-based assessment process for apporvals of PNTs.
Renewable Fuels - The Canola Council supports the development of a canola biodiesel industry in Canada and financial support for companies seeking to build canola biodiesel productions plants in Canada. Natural Resources Canada ecoEnergy for biofuels must be responsive to the industry needs.
Response of the government to Health Canada's Trans Fat monitoring program. The Canola Council supports a voluntary approach to reducing trans fat in food in Canada.
Regulation
Modernization of seed variety registration by regulation under the Seeds Act.
Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to set renewable fuel standards. The Canola Council supports a 2% biodiesel inclusion mandate by the year 2011 and a 5% inclusion mandate by 2015.