Federal Government Invests in the Pulse Industry

February 21, 2008

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Government of Canada is working hard for farmers by investing in a transportation strategy that will ease the movement of crops across the country and around the world. James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk–Interlake, made this announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, during the Manitoba Special Crops Symposium.

"The Government of Canada is proud to provide funding to help our farmers compete and profit in an export-dependent market," said Mr. Bezan. "By investing in projects like this one we will continue to build our reputation as a global leader in pulse production and distribution."

The federal contribution of $600,000 to Pulse Canada's transportation strategy, through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Program, will improve the efficiency and reliability of domestic transportation of pulse and special crop products. Domestic transportation is the first leg in the export movement of pulse and special crops, like lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas, which are exported to over 160 countries around the world.

From Canadian farms to international dinner tables, this export industry moves its crops farther than any other major exporters. This Government understands that smooth transportation is the cornerstone to increased competitiveness of the industry.

The transportation strategy will include consultations with stakeholders, investigations of transportation trends, development of a demand forecasting model as well as the development of an education program for the pulse and special crops shipping industry. The strategy will allow stakeholders to work together and with Government to identify and resolve transportation issues for the pulse and special crops industry.

"Consistent and reliable transportation is key to profitability in this industry," said Murad Al Katib, Vice Chair of Pulse Canada and President of Saskcan Pulse Trading. "It's an important issue for growers, processors and exporters and that's why the development of the strategy and the search for innovative solutions at Pulse Canada is a top priority."