“Whether it’s in response to factors such as changing cropping patterns in Western Canada, margin pressures facing all links in the value chain or numerous mergers and acquisitions, the economic landscape is changing,” said David Dzisiak, chair of the CCC. “Underscoring this evolution is a need to use resources wisely while working on the most important issues for the canola industry and for Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector.”

The CCC noted its purpose is to serve all aspects of the canola industry, the board is leading a comprehensive process to focus on the council’s role in ensuring the industry’s continued success.

Jim Everson, Canola Council of Canada president

“The challenges faced by the Canadian canola industry are always evolving, but one thing that remains constant is the power of the full value chain working toward strategic goals,” said Everson. “We look forward to the ongoing enthusiasm for positive change and the board’s leadership on this comprehensive review to move the industry forward as a united value chain.”

As part of the Priorities Review, the board has established five task groups to focus on the short- and long-term opportunities for growth in the canola sector and review the threats to achieving this growth. Each group is led by board directors and includes representatives from across the value chain. The areas of focus are: market access and government advocacy, market development, crop production and innovation, industry leadership, and finance.

Each of the task groups will be establishing mechanisms for canola industry outreach throughout the process.

In the meantime, CCC members and stakeholders are welcome to provide comments at prioritiesreview@canolacouncil.org.

Also at the meeting, Dzisiak welcomed two new members to the Board of Directors for 2018-19. New to the CCC board are:

• Curtis McRae of Manitoba Canola Growers Association,nominated by the canola grower associations

   

• Tracy Lussier of Louis Dreyfus Canada Limited,nominated by the Western Grain Elevator Association

To provide a voice for all segments of the industry, CCC directors are nominated by organizations representing growers, processors, exporters and life science companies.

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank our outgoing board member Brian Chorney from the Manitoba Canola Growers Association for all he has done for our industry and the Keep it Coming 2025 strategy,” said Dzisiak. “We look forward to working with our new directors as we advance towards our goals with a continued focus on partnership and innovation.”