There is a growing concern about global food security from the invasion of Ukraine. The Black Sea region has been a major contributor to the world’s food supply, through contributions to food, energy and fertilizer and it is in crisis. While Canadian spring wheat is not a substitute for Black Sea wheat, this puts the whole global food supply in stress. The Black Sea region produces about 30% of the world’s wheat supply. 

“Production of Canadian wheat helps ensure global food security as Canada is known as a reliable and high-quality supplier,” says Dean Dias, chief executive officer of Cereals Canada.

“Canadian wheat is sought after for its quality and is used as an improver in many mills. The versatility and quality of Canadian wheat allows it to be used for the production of many different end-products” says Dias.  

As the national, not-for-profit organization that facilitates collaboration between partners across all sectors of the cereals value chain – with a focus on wheat, barley and oats.  Our membership encompasses leading farm organizations, grain handling, export and processing companies, as well as crop development and seed companies.  We are taking a three-prong approach in advocating and supporting global customers during this crisis:  

1. Continuing to provide technical support to customers using Canadian wheat. 

2. Advocating to government and trade partners.  

3. Continued support to Canadian farmers. 

In 2021, Canada’s wheat supply was limited due to drought conditions. Cereals Canada has reached out and will continue to provide support to current and potential importers if they need our technical support for Canadian cereals grains. “We have expertise in analytical testing, milling and production of various end-products that we can offer our customers and potential importers to help them maximize their use of Canadian crops,” says Elaine Sopiwnyk, vice president of technical services at Cereals Canada. “With 50 years of experience working with customers around the world and understanding of functionality needed for different end-products our staff have the expertise and we can support customers on how to blend and work with Canadian wheat and Canadian crops, “says Sopiwnyk.  

Cereals Canada is also reaching out to industry partners and the Government of Canada to work with them on predictable and open trade. “Canada is known as a reliable supplier through our commitment to free trade and in time of crisis, we need transparent, open trade to ensure product can get to market,” says Daniel Ramage, Cereals Canada director of market access and trade policy.  

Canadian farmers and exporters are already recognized for meeting the rising demand for safe, nutritious and affordable foods. While the drought of 2021, placed a challenge on supply, Canada still produced a quality crop. The continued support to Canadian farmers and their need for sustainable practices are driven through innovation. “Plant breeding innovation can help respond to food security issues and address difficult climatic conditions such as drought years,” says Krista Zuzak, director of crop protection and production. Canada is a leader in the development and promotion of these production tools and standards. Allowing them to be accessible to growers and acceptable on the international stage remains critical in providing solutions to the food security and climate change crisis.   

This spring, over 52,000 Canadian farms are going to do their part and plant Canadian crops to fill the global food demand. Now more than ever, Canadians and our global customers need the reliability of Canadian crops and our technical expertise to maximize Canadian cereals like wheat as Canada continues to be a reliable, safe, high-quality supplier of food products. It’s what Canada and Cereals Canada is known for in the world.