Export and domestic market development projects for Canadian canola and pulse crops have picked up more funding from the federal AgriMarketing program.
The program, which backs producer, processor and exporter associations for work on long-term international strategies, market development, brand building and trade advocacy, has earmarked over $293,000 for Pulse Canada and the Canadian Special Crops Association.
The announcement Tuesday by Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz at the CSCA convention in Saskatoon follows a pledge Friday of $1.5 million toward the Canola Council of Canada’s “Growing Great 2015” strategy.
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Pulse Canada will get $257,766 and the CSCA $35,450 for outreach to buyers at “key” international food shows and for marketing materials to promote the industry.
“The AgriMarketing program has been a cornerstone of putting the Canadian pulse and special crops industry on the map in markets around the world,” Pulse Canada and CSCA CEO Gordon Bacon said in the government’s release.
“This partnership with the federal government allows the Canadian pulse and special crops industry to showcase what we know we do best.”
Canola camp
The Canola Council’s “Growing Great 2015” strategy, meanwhile, is meant to boost demand for canola products worldwide, by promoting the “distinct health qualities” of canola oil and meal, distinguishing them from competitors.
Activities in the council’s plans include promoting canola oil as part of World Heart Day on Sept. 26, and “Canola Camp,” a four-day education program for food writers, chefs, recipe developers and North American industry stakeholders to “tour and taste canola country.”
“Canola products are among the healthiest in the world and this key investment by the government of Canada will make sure the world knows,” council president JoAnne Buth said in the government’s release Friday.
“With the least saturated fat of all cooking oils among other health attributes, canola oil is a kitchen staple that may help people around the world reduce their risk of heart disease.”
And canola meal improves milk production in dairy cows due to its beneficial protein composition, she added.
