Canada & Turkey: CWB welcomes free trade agreement talks with Turkey

The Canadian Wheat Board said on September, 17 it welcomes the federal government's announcement of exploratory discussions on a free trade agreement with Turkey.

"Removing trade barriers in the international marketplace is good business for western Canadian wheat and barley growers," said CWB President and CEO Ian White. "I thank Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz for his efforts to expand marketing opportunities for producers."

In 2009, overall agricultural exports to Turkey totaled $160 million. High-quality wheat, durum and barley exports from Canada to Turkey are highly variable and are dependent on Turkish grain production and quality.

A free trade agreement could help to improve Canada's competitive position in a market of more than 70 million people. In years when Turkey requires high-quality imports, an agreement would make Prairie wheat more attractive.

Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. One of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based company sells grain to over 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.

22 September, 2010