Obtain support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada "Agri-Marketing" Program for market development.
Grant, Contribution or Other Financial Benefit, Policies or Program
Growing Forward II is the next generation policy framework for federal and provincial agricultural programs. It will be introduced in April 2013 when the current framework is scheduled to terminate. The Council has an interest in the quality of the framework and its ability to address priorities in the canola sector. Priorities for GFII programs include research, market access and market promotion.
Maintain Support for shared funded research on canola through the Agri-Food Research Cluster program.
Policies or Program
Agriculture Trade - multi-lateral and bi-lateral trade negotiations to reduce tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers on canola and its products. Development of domestic and international policies regarding low level presence of biotechnology 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/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
Full implementation and maintenance of the national 2% renewable fuels mandate for diesel fuel.
Modernization of seed variety registration by regulation under the Seeds Act.