Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the government will give up to $6.2 million to the Canadian International Grains Institute in Winnipeg.
The money is to “expand the market for Canadian wheat through technical support, market research, employee exchanges and customized training for customers and commercial partners in over 50 countries,” a government news release said.
“This project, funded through the AgriMarketing Program, under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will enable Cigi to strengthen relations with buyers and prevent future market access issues, while expanding existing markets and developing new opportunities around the world,” the government said.
Canada has been experiencing technical trade difficulties with India and China.
India is complaining that Canada has failed to treat shipments of lentils and peas with a fumigant that is banned in Canada. Canadians have countered that our cold winters eliminate the pests of concern to buyers.
China has banned some canola shipments, has said it will increase testing and has removed Richardson International from its list of approved suppliers.
After the World Trade Organization agreed on tariffs and other main trading issues for agriculture products, there has been an increase in complaints and trading restrictions based on concerns about diseases, pests and food safety.
Some (including me) see these concerns as attempts to restrict trade so domestic producers gain an competitive advantage.
