By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Canadian mustard and sunflower seed growers received support from the federal government to increase export sales abroad.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz made the $230,000 funding announcement to the Canadian Special Crops Association (CSCA). In a release it says the money will help boost international trade efforts.
"The multi-year Agri-Marketing funding will enable Canada's special crops industry to deliver innovative, healthy and sustainable foods consistently and reliably to markets around the world,” Gordon Bacon, CEO of the Canadian Special Crops Association said in a release.
Specifically, the industry will focus on two projects directed by the Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission and the National Sunflower Association of Canada. The initiative purpose is to improve variety options for mustard and sunflower seeds, focusing on health and nutritional benefits.
According to the release, the Canadian pulse and special crop industry had an export value of more than $3 billion in 2013. The investment was made through the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's AgriMarketing Program, offered under the Growing Forward 2 policy framework.