The Canola Council of Canada says very little has changed regarding canola exports to China.

Richardson and Viterra have not been able to do any business since March, when the Chinese government suspended their export licenses. However, small amounts of canola seed have been moved by other companies.

“There have been very modest sales compared to where we would have been at this time in the previous year,” says Jim Everson, president of the Canola Council of Canada.

Canola meal shipments remain unaffected, while canola oil exports are being closely monitored.

“Existing contracts for oil going into China have been honored,” says Everson. “There has been a heightened inspection with some vessels taking a lot of time to go through the process when they get to China.”

The Canola Working Group—consisting of industry, government and producer representatives—has been meeting on a regular basis.

“There is a very significant effort being made to track the key data from the country. (This includes) deliveries, prices and the upcoming harvest to be sure that the government really understands the financial situation facing western producers,” says Everson.

The Working Group wants to diversify canola exports and increase the amount of canola used in domestic biofuel. The upcoming fall federal election could potentially delay the process, but Everson believes progress will be made by the end of the calendar year.