Government of Canada seeding new market opportunities with investment in the Canadian Seed Trade Association

The Government of Canada is helping the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) strengthen exports and foster the development of international markets. The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, made the announcement on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz as CSTA members are gathering in Winnipeg, Manitoba for their semi-annual meeting. An investment of $140,000 will help CSTA spread the word about Canadas high quality seed industry.

"Canadian farmers produce a wide variety of top quality seeds and our Government is proud to support their hard work," said Minister Toews. "This investment will help the CSTA undertake trade advocacy, participate in trade missions and prepare promotional material that will help create a stronger international market for Canadian seeds."

Canadas seed industry is recognized and respected around the globe. Its products have a wide appeal in international markets, with Canadian seed being exported to approximately 70 countries. In 2008-2009 more than 276,000 tonnes of seed were exported, valued at more than $378 million, representing an increase of 39 per cent from five years earlier.

"The funding that CSTA receives from the AgriMarketing program allows us to participate fully in the development of international rules and standards that govern the trade of seed," said CSTA President Wayne Unger. "Trade is critical to many of our members, and decisions made in international forums have a huge impact on us. It is very important to the Canadian seed industry and Canadian agriculture that we are actively involved in establishing rules and facilitating trade."

The CSTA is composed of about 140 seed companies from across the country. It represents a broad cross-section of Canadian businesses that are engaged in all aspects of seed research, production and marketing, both domestically and internationally.

The AgriMarketing Program is helping national producer and processor associations implement long term international strategies focused on expansion of international markets, consumer education and brand promotion.