Ontario Grain Farmer June/July 2021

2020, Ontario shipped over $18 million in soybean meal to the UK. With the UK looking to increase trade with countries outside of the EU-27, there could be opportunities to increase market share of Ontario grains. EU-27 The UK was often viewed as a relatively moderate in the European Union on areas such as glyphosate use and approving biotechnology. With the UK leaving, it may increase the power that environmental groups have within the EU Council and could diminish pro-market attitude in the EU-27. The UK has the fifth highest nominal GDP in the world and the second highest within Europe and leaving will create a large hole in the EU tax base. However, even with the loss of the UK, the EU is the world’s second largest economy and Canada’s second largest trading partner after the United States. It will continue to have large economic clout and is the worlds second largest soybean importer after China. Maintaining a focus on this market remains a key focus for Ontario corn and soybeans exports. ONTARIO EXPORTS TO THE EU-27 Ontario continues to ship corn and soybeans into Europe tariff free thanks to CETA. The EU-27 is Ontario’s number one market for exporting corn, with Ireland, Spain, and Portugal being the major destinations. Europe is also an important market for Ontario commodity soybeans, being the major destination over the last two crop years and nearly 70 per cent of all exported 2020 crop soybeans have gone to Europe. Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium all have taken Ontario soybeans meaning that there will continue to be a focus on market development across Europe. While the UK is no longer part of the European Union, they will continue to be influenced by their close neighbours. Working with both areas will be critical for ensuring Ontario grains continue to maintain and expand market access and sales. Justin Shepherd is the market development coordinator for Grain Farmers of Ontario. l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 13 JUNE/JULY 2021 This article contains insights from Grain Farmers of Ontario’s Market Development department. Winter Canola ordering seed ... C&M Seeds is accepting Mercedes Winter Canola seed orders. • Order through your seed dealer. • Early orders prioritized and discounted. • June 15th deadline for placing orders. • Orders after June 15th not guaranteed. Order your seed today…. don’t be disappointed! For information on growing winter canola go to www.ontariocanolagrowers.ca