Sask. canola producers keeping close eye on Carney and Moe's trip to China
China levied a 100% tariff on Canadian canola product last year
Saskatchewan farmers are keeping a close eye on China as Prime Minister Mark Carney makes a trip to the country this week.
Carney will be joined by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe on this trip, which Carney's parliamentary secretary has said will aim to "recalibrate" Canada's relationship with the Chinese government and look at economic opportunities for the two nations.
Bill Prybylski, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, said he welcomes the trip, as it could go a long way to addressing Chinese tariffs on canola.
"I think most producers are thinking it's about time that we've seen some action of the federal government," Prybylski said in an interview Tuesday.
Since March of last year, Prybylski and other canola farmers have been grappling with a decision by China to implement a 100 per cent duty on Canadian canola oil, meal and peas. China also slapped tariffs on pork and seafood.
The tariffs were widely seen as a response to the duties the federal government placed on Chinese-made electric vehicles in 2024.
Chinese tariffs have already dramatically changed the outlook for producers in Saskatchewan.
Jeff English, the vice-president of public affairs for Pulse Canada — which represents growers, traders and processors of pulse crops — says China has normally been one of the largest markets for peas, but the 100 per cent tariff has "effectively stopped the flow."
The tariffs have resulted in a significant decline in the price the crop will sell for, directly hurting the pockets of farmers, Prybylski said. That, in turn, means tighter margins and potentially hard decisions for producers.
The fact that Carney will be the first prime minister to visit China since 2017 is providing hope to farmers in Saskatchewan, Prybylski said, and the news Moe will join the delegation is only boosting confidence.
"I think this speaks to the fact that Premier Moe is aware of how important these commodities are, not only for farmers, but also for the provincial economy and the jobs that it creates," said Prybylski.
Officials with the provincial government say Moe was already in Asia on a personal trip, which he ended early in order to link up with Carney.
Moe will be joining the prime minister in China, according to the premier's office.
The premier travelled to China last year as part of his efforts to have the Chinese tariffs removed. He was joined by Kody Blois, Carney's parliamentary secretary.
Moe did not emerge with a deal.
Although some canola farmers like Prybylski are hopeful, he's also remaining realistic about the potential outcome of this trip.
"This go-round as well, there's likely not much chance of there being an agreement," he said.
"Obviously we're continuing to hope that could be the case. But realistically, I think this exercise will be just in building those relationships."
He estimates his own farm has lost about $450,000 as a result of the tariffs.
With farmers already starting to plan for the upcoming season, Prybylski believes many will be keeping an eye on the travel mission to China.
"There's a lot of decisions that farmers have to make, and they have a lot of information and a lot of unavailable information that makes those decisions quite, quite difficult," he said.
Moe's office said he'll return to Canada next week.
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