There seems to be some confusion over whether or not China has stopped new purchases of Canadian wheat, peas and flax along with canola.

On Monday, March 25, the Western Wheat Growers Association said in a statement the three commodities had been added to the list.

Executive Director, Dave Quist, says they reported the information based on a Globe and Mail article, and as of Tuesday morning, are waiting on confirmation from the media outlet.

The Western Producer also quoted the Globe and Mail on the issue, and have since modified the story to read, "Canadian government and industry, agriculture and trade officials, say there is officially no abnormal restriction on agricultural product exports to China, with the exception of canola seed."

Quist says these recent trade issues with China are causing uncertainty for farmers deciding what they'll be planting this spring.

"Also uncertainty if they have different grain in the bin, what the value of that is if they don't already have a contract in place."

He says the organization is calling on the Federal Government to stand up for farmers on the China trade file.

"We've heard nothing back from them (Federal Government) at this point," Quist says. "This is purely a political issue, so we need our highest politicians to fully engage on the topic."

In Monday's statement, the Wheat Growers Board of Directors say they will gladly join these Ministers on the next flight to China to meet and resolve this problem face to face.

 

Read more:

Read more:

 

Send your news tips, story ideas and comments to jgiles@goldenwestradio.com

Follow on Twitter @GoldenWestABAg @JessicaR_Giles