Governments commit to reaching an agreement by the end of this year
By Kate Ayers
Staff Writer
Farms.com
The Indian and Canadian governments released a joint statement pledging to reach a pulse trade agreement this year. The new deal will allow Canada to export pulses to India that are free from banned pests and that use mutually acceptable technology.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had pulses near the top of their discussion list on Friday, according to a Pulse Canada release later that day.
“The pulse industry made real progress today,” Chris Chivilo, president and CEO of Canadian pulse processor W.A. Grain & Pulse Solutions, said in the release.
“The joint statement … is an important milestone in pulse trade relations between Canada and India. The prime ministers have recognized the importance of food security and science-based approaches to plant protection policy.”
The joint statement shows the importance of ensuring access to adequate, safe and nutritious food for all, according to the release.
Transparency and market predictability are also critical for advancing the food security goals of both countries. Sharing information on ag commodity production, for example, will help to ensure these goals.
“The industry has been working alongside the Canadian government to address the challenges of the evolving pulse trade relationship with India,” Lee Moats, chair of Pulse Canada’s board of directors, said in the release.
“It is clear to me that we can count on the prime minister to be in our corner.”