Ag Ministers Continue To Work On China-Richardson Dilemma

Farmers and members of the agriculture industry are keeping a close eye on China following the Country's recent decision to stop importing canola from Canadian agribusiness, Richardson International.

Richardson canola shipments to China came to a halt after China raised concern about pest, or weeds, they believe to have found in the canola shipments.

During Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau's visit to Calgary on Tuesday, March 12, she said they still have not received any evidence from China of irregularities in Richardson canola shipments.

"Obviously, we returned to our samples that were taken before the shipment left Canada, and we haven't found any irregularities. We are asking the Chinese officials to make the demonstration of what they have found."

As of March 12, Bibeau said the Government is ready to send Canadian scientist to China to find a solution, however, she did not have any specific dates of when the scientists were expected to make the trip.

Alberta Ag Minister Oneil Carlier, who was speaking at the Alberta Beef Industry Conference in Red Deer on Wednesday, March 13, said he's been in contact with Minister Bibeau.

"She's well aware of Alberta's concerns through me, but I've also had the opportunity to reach out and talk to an Executive from Richardson as well."

Richardson exports 30 per cent of Alberta's canola.

Carlier says there is still unknowns they're hoping to get more clarity on soon.

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