Following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to India last week, the two countries have committed to work to finalize an arrangement within 2018 to resolve the issue of pulse fumigation for Canadian shipments going into India.

Canada's pulse fumigation waiver with India expired last fall.

Chris Chivilo, President and CEO of Canadian pulse processor W.A. Grain & Pulse Solutions, participated in the CEO panel at the Prime Minister's Round Table.

Chivilo, who is also a member of the Canadian Special Crops Association, addressed the issues of fumigation, exemption from changes to government policy that result in increased costs for cargo en route to India, and the need for predictability and transparency in changes to government policy impacting pulses.

"The pulse industry made real progress today,” said Chivilo. “The joint statement issued after the meeting I attended 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. We will need to continue this collaboration and finalize solutions that will work for both Canada and India.”

Lee Moats, Chair of Pulse Canada’s Board of Directors, was also in India attending the Canada-India Business Council meetings, where he had an opportunity to speak to Prime Minister Trudeau. 
 
"The industry has been working alongside the Canadian government to address the challenges of the evolving pulse trade relationship with India,” said Moats.  “It is clear to me that we can count on the Prime Minister to be in our corner.”

The joint statement also emphasized the importance of ensuring access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food for all and notes that transparency and predictability of market access conditions, including sharing of information on production of agricultural commodities, are key to advancing the food security goals of both countries.