Our Canadian government is investing $30,000 to promote the superior quality of Canadian mustard seed and its many uses in international markets.

Mustard seed growers in Canada put a lot of hard work into delivering this world-class product, and we owe it to our nation to share this resource with the world.

Canada is the world’s second-largest producer of mustard seed and the largest exporter, producing nearly half of global mustard seed exports. In 2009, we traded over $128 million worth of the seed.

With the help of this funding, the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA) can increase international knowledge and appreciation of mustard through promotional activities.

The Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission will be undertaking activities with food companies, chefs, culinary schools and dieticians to promote Canadian mustard as a high quality and nutritious food ingredient. They will also be conducting research to assess the needs of international customers.

Earlier this year, the CSCA received $35,000 through the AgriMarketing program to develop marketing materials to promote their industry and reach out to buyers at key international food shows.

Exports of agricultural products are an important source of revenue in Canada and a way of securing our position on the global stage.

In September, we signed an important Agriculture Memorandum of Understanding with Mongolia. This agreement provides the two countries with a better understanding of each other’s systems, policies and regulations, facilitating sharing of best practices and strengthening agricultural cooperation and commercial relations.

At the first-ever Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Agricultural Meeting in Japan this past October, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz met with agriculture leaders from several other countries as they worked to strengthen trade relations and expand market opportunities for farmers.

As the world’s population grows, it becomes increasingly important to develop mechanisms for access to a safe and dependable food supply. Through promoting innovation, Canada is looking forward to a future with stronger trade partnerships, a more sustainable environment, and more profitable farmers, taking care to ensure families around the world continue to have access to top quality food.

Our farmers play a vital role in sustaining our country, and we aim to help them maximize their potential business through the promotion of strong international trade relations.

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The audio version of Garry's February 28, 2011 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here