Agri-Food Trade Service

Overview of the Canadian Special Crops Industry

2009

Prepared by:
Special Crops Section
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
www.agr.gc.ca/psc

Table of Contents

• Size of the Special Crops Industry in Canada
• Value of the Special Crops Industry to the Canadian Economy
• Canadian Production of Special Crops
• Canada's Trade Balance for all Special Crops
• Canadian Exports of Special Crops
• Canada's Top Destinations for Special Crops
• Buckwheat
• Canary Seed
• Forages, Hay & Clover
• Ginseng
• Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants
• Hemp
• Mustard Seed
• Seeds for Sowing
• Sunflower Seeds
• Canada's Top Exports of Other Special Crops
• Canada's Top Destinations for Wild Rice
• Canadian Special Crops Export Growth 2006-2009
• World Import Growth 2006-2009
• Markets
• Emerging Markets
• Canadian Imports of Special Crops 2006-2009
• Canada's Top Suppliers of Special Crops 2006-2009
• Canadian Agriculture Labour Force
• Business Risk Management Programs
• Useful Links

Size of the Special Crops Industry in Canada

From 1996 to the 2006 Census of Agriculture, farm numbers decreased for a majority of the special crops. However, certain crops experienced an increase in the number of farms, with forage and grass seed farm numbers increasing nearly 8 percent by 1996 and 2006, and sunflower seed farm numbers increasing by 23 percent during the same period. The farm area also increased between 46 percent and 130 percent for forage grass seed and sunflower seed, respectively.

The number of farms for hay and clover declined by 9 percent between 1996 and 2006. Although the amount of hectares farmed increased by 28 percent during the same period. According to the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Canadian farms are on average 22 percent larger today than they were 20 years ago.

1: 1 hectare ≈ 2.47 acres
2: Mainly grass seed.
Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Agriculture: 1996, 2001 and 2006.

Value of the Special Crops Industry to the Canadian Economy

Farm cash receipts (FCR) includes revenues from the sale of agricultural commodities, program payments from government agencies, and payments from private and livestock insurance programs.

Special crops represent almost two percent of total FCR in the Canadian agriculture sector. In 2009, hay and clover represented the largest share of special crops FCR with 43 percent. Mustard seed and ginseng followed with 15 percent and 14 percent, respectively.

1: All crops also include grains and oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, floriculture and nursery, maple and forest products.
Source: Statistics Canada, Farm Cash Receipts, May 2010.

Source: Statistics Canada, Farm Cash Receipts, May 2010.

Canadian Production of Special Crops

The majority of canary seed and mustard seed are grown in the province of Saskatchewan with smaller quantities in Manitoba and Alberta, respectively. In 2009, canary seed production decreased 27 percent from 2008, as a result of fewer seeded hectares mainly in the province of Saskatchewan. During this time, mustard seed production increased by almost 30 percent as a result of increased hectares (10 percent). Hay and clover are grown in all Canadian provinces. Sunflowers seeds are grown mainly in the province of Manitoba, while sugar beets are grown in Alberta.

1: 1 hectare ≈ 2.47 acres
Source: Statistics Canada, Field Crop Reporting Series, December 2009.

1: 1 hectare ≈ 2.47 acres
Source: Statistics Canada, Field Crop Reporting Series, December 2009.

Source: Statistics Canada, Field Crop Reporting Series, December 2009.

Source: Statistics Canada, Field Crop Reporting Series, December 2009.

Canada's Trade Balance for all Special Crops

The value of Canada's trade balance has grown 18 percent over the past decade from $263 million in 1999 to $310 million in 2009. Canada is the largest exporter and the second largest producer of mustard seed in the world. It also accounts for approximately 90 percent of world exports of canary seed. Seeds for sowing are the most exported special crop, accounting for 20 percent of all special crops in 2009. Forages, hay and clover are the second largest exported special crop (16 percent), followed by mustard seed (16 percent), forage and grass seed (16 percent), and ginseng root (12 percent).

Source: Statistics Canada, June 2010.

1: Other special crops include wild rice, safflower seeds and sugar beets.
Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Canadian Exports of Special Crops

1: Other special crops include wild rice, safflower seeds and sugar beets.
Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Canada's Top Destinations for Special Crops

The value of Canadian special crops exports increased 15 percent from nearly $704 million in 2006 to $810 million in 2009. The United States was Canada's largest market for special crops with exports valued at almost $1.4 billion or 41 percent of total exports during the period 2006 to 2009.

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is native to Central Asia, and has been grown on the eastern Prairies in Canada for over a century.

The first large-seeded buckwheat variety, Koto, is of interest to millers due to increased starch content and soft starch characteristics. Koto was released in 1998 with Canadian commercial production beginning in the summer of 2000. Honey from this plant's blossoms is dark and is considered highly flavoured. Buckwheat is not a cereal grain, but is actually a member of the same plant family as rhubarb.

Buckwheat is used to make flour; for example in Japan, it is mixed with other varieties to produce "Soba" noodles, a traditional dish. In North America, buckwheat is also used in the chocolate bar and snack food industries.

Buckwheat contains a high level of rutin, which is extracted from the leaves and is used in medicine to check blood vessels for haemorrhagic diseases and to treat high blood pressure.

Although Canada only produces a small percentage of the world's buckwheat supply, it exports approximately half of its production to other countries, mainly to Japan and the United States. The Japanese market is attractive for Canada, where it is processed into soba noodles. Japan imports approximately 78 percent of its buckwheat supply. Canada competes with China, the United States, and Australia for the Japanese market. While imports to Japan from China have decreased in the last five years, imports from Canada have also declined due to low Canadian production.¹

1: Global Trade Atlas May 2010

Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian exports in the importing country.

*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Food for Thought…

Buckwheat recipes can be found at: www.specialcrops.mb.ca/crops/buckwheat.html. Buckwheat is gluten free so it is a handy food for people who suffer from coeliac disease, and who are allergic to gluten. Buckwheat is a complete protein and it contains all eight essential amino acids. It is good for the bladder, the kidneys and the lungs.

Source: Canadian Special Crops Association.

Canary Seed

Canary seed is native to southern Europe and the Middle East, and is a major component of feed mixtures for caged and wild birds. Commercial production of the crop began in Western Canada in the late 1970's and early 1980's.

Canary seed is a cool-season crop grown in Saskatchewan and other parts of Western Canada. There are two types of canary seeds; glabrous and non-glabrous. Canada developed a new glabrous (hairless) kind of canary seed registered under the trademark Canario. Canary seed has a high starch content making it suitable for some industrial uses, such as the cosmetics industry. As populations and incomes continue to grow, and as an increasing number of people around the world are keeping birds as pets, the demand for canary seed looks strong.

Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian exports in the importing country.

*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Food for Thought…

The Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan is continuing its work towards the approval of canary seed for human and livestock consumption. Canary seed may have potential as an ingredient in the health food market.

Source: Canary Seed Development Commission of Saskatchewan.

Forages, Hay & Clover

Forages are plants consumed by livestock, and they include pasture and browse plants, baled hay, silage, alfalfa pellets and cubes, immature cereals, and cereal straw. Most forage species belong to the grass and legume families. The commonly grown grass species in Canada include timothy, bromegrass, and the fescues, while the main legume species include alfalfa and red clover. Hay and clover are grown in all provinces; however, the majority of forage production for export is grown in Alberta and Manitoba. Alfalfa is considered the queen of forage and is the most widely grown forage legume in Canada. Forages are very important in soil conservation, as they are used in crop rotation to improve soil structure and add nitrogen to the soil.

1 Forages, hay and clover excludes forage and grass seeds.
Source: 2 Statistics Canada, March 2010

Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian export in the importing country.

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

1: Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010;

Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian export in the importing country.

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Ginseng

North American Ginseng (NAG) is native to the hardwood forests of Eastern Canada and the North Eastern U.S. region. It needs to go through the process of cold, freezing winter so that the seed is forced to germinate in the spring. The world's main NAG growing regions are the Canadian provinces of Ontario and British Columbia, Wisconsin in the U.S., and the northeastern and northern regions of China. Canada is currently the largest producer of NAG in North America, of which about 90 percent is produced in the Simcoe area of Ontario. Canadian NAG is unequalled in quality, taste and aroma.

Since the 18th century, Ontario ginseng has been primarily exported to China where it is highly valued for its perceived superior quality and sweeter taste. Today, about 2,700 tonnes of Canadian ginseng roots are exported to China and other Asian markets annually.

It was recognized by the Europeans in the Canadian province of Quebec in 1716, and was gathered and exported to China. At one time, the ginseng trade rivalled the fur trade. However, with time, the wild ginseng population became severely depleted from over-harvesting and wild ginseng is now considered an endangered species in Canada.

North American ginseng has a special place in the history of Canada. The roots have been used in traditional Aboriginal medicines for thousand of years. Ginseng is cultivated for its root and is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in the world, especially in Asia.

Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian export in the importing country.

*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Food for Thought…

Part of the Latin name for ginseng, Panax, comes from the Greek word meaning "all-healing".

Source: NaturalPedia.

Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants

The term spice refers to any dried plant product used primarily for seasoning. It differs from culinary herbs, in that the parts of importance are the seed, bark, and flowers of plants, rather than the leaves. Spices originated in the Far East with China being the historic supplier of ginger, Indonesia supplying the world with cinnamon and nutmeg, and India being a major source of cumin and turmeric.

Canadian spice production is centred in Western Canada, primarily Saskatchewan. The two major spice crops grown in Canada are caraway and coriander. Caraway, a member of the carrot family, is a biennial spice crop native to Europe and western Asia. Coriander, a member of the carrot family, is an annual, heat-loving spice crop native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean.

A medicinal plant is a plant that is either cultivated or wild crafted (collected from the wild) for its medicinal value. It has recently been estimated that there are about 400,000 species of vascular plants globally, with somewhere between a quarter and a third of these plants having been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous societies. Medicinal plants have a long history of use in Canada. Hundreds of species were used by the First Nations Canadians in traditional medicine, with the potential for many of these plants to be valuable in modern medicine.

The entire caraway plant is edible; the roots may be cooked similar to carrots and the leaves can be used in salads. The primary use of caraway is for culinary purposes; however it has broad medicinal uses and may be used as an antiseptic. The seeds can also be scattered over breads, cakes, and soups as decoration. The coriander plant yields both the fresh herb and spice seed, which are used primarily for culinary purposes. Coriander also has medicinal and cosmetic functions in the extracted essential oil form. Coriander seeds are used as a spice to flavour such foods as liqueurs, candies, sausages, and pickles. The essential oil that is extracted from the coriander spice seed is used to mask the taste of unpleasant medicine as well as to calm the irritating effects of other medicines on the stomach. The oil is also used to scent soaps, perfumes, and other cosmetics.

Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian export in the importing country.

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Hemp

Hemp has been the source of food and a source of renewable fibre for the past 10,000 years. Like the marijuana plant, industrial hemp belongs to the species Cannabis sativa L. However, unlike marijuana, it only contains minute quantities of the psychoactive drug delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Whole hemp seed is composed of approximately 45 percent oil, 35 percent protein and 10 percent carbohydrates and fibre. As a result of the numerous nutritional benefits, many new food products containing hemp seed and its oil are finding their way onto the Canadian market, including protein powder, salad dressings, snack products, and frozen desserts.

Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian export in the importing country.
3: Canadian % share of import market (value) is for hemp fibre only.

Source: Statistics Canada, May 2010.

*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Food for Thought…

Hemp is a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid which may reduce inflammation, arthritis and play a role in cardiovascular disease.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

Mustard Seed

Canada is considered the largest exporter (nearly half of the world's exports come from Canada) and the second largest producer of mustard seed in the world. Mustard seed is an annual, cool season crop that can be grown in a short growing season, commonly in rotation with small grains. Canada produces three mustard types: yellow, brown, and oriental. Mustard seed is used primarily as a condiment in the food industry, in the form of whole seed, meal or oil. Mustard seed is also used as an emulsifier, a water binding agent, and for texture control in many food products.

Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian export in the importing country.

*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Food for Thought…

Mustard recipes can be found at: www.saskmustard.ca/consumer/recipes/index.html.

Seeds for Sowing

The Canadian seed industry produces a wide variety of quality seeds for sowing including major cereals and oilseeds, special crops, pulses, forages and turf grasses, ornamental, and garden seeds. The seed industry sustains Canada's vibrant agriculture sector as well as meeting the needs of foreign agricultural sectors.

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

* Seeds for sowing excludes forages and grass seed.
Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower is an annual broadleaf plant that can be successfully grown in most regions of Canada. It is the only oilseed native to the northern Great Plains of North America and has been commercially grown in Canada since the early 1940s. Canada produces both confectionery and oilseed varieties of sunflower seed, and is a competitive partner in the growing international market for this special crop.

Sunflower seeds fall into three categories: in shell, kernel, and birdseed. Compared with other vegetable oils and animal fats, sunflower oil is very high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, making it easily digestible and provides a good option when choosing cooking oil, particularly if high cholesterol is a concern. The oil is used for frying or to produce salad dressings, shortening, and margarine. The protein content of sunflower seeds is high, and they can serve as a meat substitute.

1: Statistics may include sunflower seeds for sowing.
Source: 1 Statistics Canada, March 2010 and 2 Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian export in the importing country.

1: Statistics may include sunflower seeds for sowing.
*: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Canada's Top Exports of Other Special Crops

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Canada's Top Destinations for Wild Rice

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Canadian Special Crops Export Growth 2006-2009

From 2006 to 2009, Canadian special crops export volume dropped by 19 percent and export value grew by 15 percent. Hemp seeds and hemp products exports experienced the highest percentage growth in terms of volume and value. Different factors can impact export and import growth; for example, major economic factors such as commodity prices and on-farm costs of production. Commodity prices are influenced by market demand, domestic and international agreements, and government policies and programs, agronomic conditions, weather, and relative prices. The level of world supply can also be influenced by changes in prices.

1: Other includes wild rice, safflower seeds and sugar beets.
Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

World Import Growth 2006-2009

1: Based on the most recent information available.
2: Statistics may include sunflower seeds for sowing.
3: Sugar beets only.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Markets

1: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian exports in the importing country.

1: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian exports in the importing country.

1: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian exports in the importing country.

1: Based on the most recent information avaialble.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010. "Canadian % share of import market" represents share of Canadian exports in the importing country.

Emerging Markets

1: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

1: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

1: May include seeds for sowing.
2: Based on most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

1: May include seeds for sowing.
2: Based on the most recent information available.
Source: Global Trade Atlas, March 2010.

Canadian Imports of Special Crops 2006-2009

1: Other includes wild rice, safflower seeds and sugar beets.
Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Canada's Top Suppliers of Special Crops 2006-2009

Source: Statistics Canada, March 2010.

Canadian Agriculture Labour Force

The number of people of employed in Canadian agriculture decreased by 7 percent from an estimated 346,000 employees in 2006 to nearly 321,000 employees in 2009. Canadian agriculture now represents almost 9 percent of people employed in the total goods-producing sector and nearly 2 percent in all Canadian industries. In 2009, about 71 percent of agriculture employees were men and 29 percent were women. Of the number of Canadian agriculture employees in 2009, Ontario represented 26 percent followed by Quebec (18 percent), Alberta (17 percent), Saskatchewan (14 percent), British Columbia (11 percent) and Manitoba (8 percent). Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, collectively had a 6 percent share of total agriculture employees. According to the 2006 Census of Agriculture, the average age of farm operators was 52 years. In contrast, the average age of the Canadian labour force was 41.2 years. The average age of farm operators has increased from 49.9 years in 2001 and 48.4 years in 1996.

1: Total goods-producing sector consists of the following industries: agriculture; forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas; utilities; construction and manufacturing.
2: Total services-producing sector consists of the following industries: trade; transportation and warehousing; finance, insurance, real estate and leasing; professional, scientific and technical services; business, building and other support services; educational services; health care and social assistance; information, culture and recreation; accomodation and food services; other services and public administration.

Source: Statistics Canada, 71F0004XCB, Labour Force Survey, January 2010.

In their study, Labour Market Information on Recruitment and Retention in Primary Agriculture, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) estimates that crop commodities (all farm sizes), which includes pulses, employed an estimated 13 percent of Canadian agricultural employees. The largest employing commodity group was livestock and poultry (42 percent) followed by the greenhouse, nursery landscape and floriculture group (24 percent) and the commodity group berries, vegetables, tree fruit and vine (16 percent). The remaining commodity groups, other and non-traditional, and aquaculture, employed an estimated 4 percent and 1 percent of Canadian agricultural employees, respectively.

Source: Labour Market Information on Recruitment and Retention in Primary Agriculture, Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, 2009.
1: Beef and dairy cattle, poultry and eggs, swine, and other animals including sheep, goats, bison, elk, alpaca, horses, rabbits, deer, fox and mink.
2: Grains, cereals, oilseeds, pulses, pastures, forages, fibre and seed production.
3: Field fruit and vegetables, melons, potato, tree fruit and vine.
4: Herbs and spices, maple, sod, bees, tobacco, hemp and non-timber forest products.

The CAHRC study also provides estimates of employment by major occupational group (non-seasonal positions). General farm workers represented approximately half of the share of Canadian agricultural employment (52 percent). The second largest occupational group were supervisors/managers with an estimated 16 percent followed by technical/specialist staff (10 percent), machinery operators (9 percent) and other farm workers (7 percent). Aquaculture workers and landscapers had the smallest shares of Canadian agricultural employment with 3 percent each.

Source: Labour Market Information on Recruitment and Retention in Primary Agriculture, Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, 2009.
1: Non-seasonal positions.
2: Science professionals, agricultural consultants and specialists, technicians and engineers, and professional/technical animal health workers (formally trained).

Business Risk Management Programs

Under the federal-provincial-territorial initiative, Growing Forward, a suite of Business Risk Management programs is available to producers to help protect their income and manage risks such as drought, flooding, low prices, and increased input costs. Together, these programs provide protection for different types of losses, as well as cash flow options.

AgriInvest

AgriInvest is a savings account for producers, supported by governments, which provides coverage for small income declines and allows for investments that help mitigate risks or improve market income.

For more information about AgriInvest, please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/agriinvest or call AAFC toll free at 1-866-367-8506.

AgriStability

The AgriStability program provides support when a producer experiences larger farm income losses. The program covers declines of more than 15 percent in a producer's average income from previous years.

For more information about AgriStability, please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/agristability or contact AAFC toll free at 1-866-367-8506.

AgriInsurance

AgriInsurance is an existing program which includes insurance against production losses for specified perils (weather, pests, disease) and is being expanded to include more commodities.

For more information about AgriInsurance, please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/agriinsurance or contact AAFC toll free at 1-866-367-8506.

AgriRecovery

AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework which provides a coordinated process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly when disasters strike, filling gaps not covered by existing programs.

For more information about AgriRecovery, please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/agrirecovery or contact AAFC toll free at 1-866-367-8506.

Advance Payments Program (APP)

APP is a complementary program to the Business Risk Management suite. It helps crop and livestock producers with cash flow and provides flexibility for marketing of commodities.

For more information about the APP, please visit: www.agr.gc.ca/app or contact AAFC toll free at 1-866-367-8506.

Useful Links

AAFC Programs and Services

Information on Growing Forward Programs and Services is available at: www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1204137480722&lang=eng

Statistics

For the latest market information and analysis available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, please consult the following publication:
Canada: Pulse and Special Crops Outlook
www.agr.gc.ca/pol/mad-dam

Associations

The Canadian Special Crops Association represents most exporters, dealers, brokers, and processors involved in trading Canada's special crops.  These crops include dry peas, lentils, mustard seed, buckwheat, dry beans, chickpeas, faba beans, safflower seeds, canary seeds, and sunflower seeds.  A request for prices can be submitted at: www.specialcrops.mb.ca/request.html.

Canadian Special Crops Association
1215 - 220 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0A5
Canada
Email: office@specialcrops.mb.ca
Tel: 204-925-3780/925-3783
Fax: 204-925-3785
Web: www.specialcrops.mb.ca

Canadian Special Crops Association
1215 - 220 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0A5
Canada
Email: office@specialcrops.mb.ca
Tel: 204-925-3780/925-3783
Fax: 204-925-3785
Web: www.specialcrops.mb.ca

Canaryseed Association of Canada
212-111 Research Drive
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3R2
Canada
Email: office@agribiz.ca
Tel: 306-975-6624
Fax: 306-975-0136
Web: www.canaryseed.ca

Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association
P.O. Box 18
Phippen, Saskatchewan S0K 3E0
Canada
Email: shsa@sasktel.net
Tel: 306-694-4622
Fax: 306-694-2182
Web: www.saskherbspice.org

Alberta New Crops Network (ANCN)
Upper 5303 - 91 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5B 4K3
Canada
Email: newcrops@telusplanet.net
Tel: 780-490-6462
Fax: 780-490-6472

Alberta Natural Health Agriculture Network (ANHAN)
P.O. Box 67314, Hawkstone RPO
Edmonton, AB, T6M 0J4
Canada
Email: info@anhan.org
Tel: 780-986-0262
Toll-free: 1-888-986-0262

B.C. Herb Growers Association
998 Skeena Drive
Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 2K7
Canada
Email: info@bcherbgrowers.com

Canadian Herb Society
VanDusen Botanical Gardens
5251 Oak Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6M 4H1
Canada
Email: info@herbsociety.ca
Tel: 604-224-0457
Fax: 604-222-9613

Canadian Spice Association
160 Eglinton Avenue, East, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M4P 3B5
Canada
Email: info@canadianspiceassociation.com
Tel: 416-595-5333 ext.41
Fax: 416-595-8226
Web: www.canadianspiceassociation.com

Fédération de l'agriculture biologique du Québec
555 Boul Roland Therrien
Longueuil, Quebec J4H 3Y9
Canada
Email: fabq@upa.gc.ca
Tel: 450-679-0530
Fax: 450-670-4867

Filière des plantes médicinales biologiques du Québec
C.P. 43, Magog, Quebec J1X 3W7
Email: fpmq@plantesmedicinales.qc.ca
Tel: 819-847-1862
Fax: 819-847-1814
Web: www.plantesmedicinales.qc.ca (available in French only)

Flower and Herb Growers Association of Alberta
244034 Range Road 32
Calgary, Alberta T3Z 2E3
Southern Alberta Tel: 403-686-4434
Peace Region Tel: 403-538-1429
Fax: 403-242-8018

Herb Society of Manitoba
c/o Assiniboine Park Conservatory
15 Conservatory Drive
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 2N5
Canada
Email: info@herbsociety.com
Web: www.herbsocietymb.com

Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Association of Manitoba
PO Box 20024
Selkirk, Manitoba R1A 1S0
Canada
Tel: 204-766-2669
Fax: 204-482-8667

Newfoundland Herb Association
55 Springdale Street
St. John's, Newfoundland A1C 5B2
Canada
Email: di3@talkherbs.net
Tel: 709-726-3271

P.E.I. Medicinal Plants Association
c/o Island Root Company
RR 1
Montague, P.E.I. C0A 1R0
Canada
Email: julius@iqu.pe.ca
Tel: 902-962-3613
Fax: 902-962-3613

Western Canadian Organic Herb and Spice Association
P.O. Box 16
Opal, Alberta T0A 2R0
Email: wcdnherb@telusplanet.net
Tel: 780-909-1634
Fax: 780-942-3992

Canadian Grassland and Forage Association
Email: mfc@mbforagecouncil.mb.ca
Tel: 204-726-9393
Interim Director: Wayne Digby

Canadian Dehydrators Association
203 - 12904, 50th Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5A 4L2
Canada
Email: thinkalfalfa@dehyassoc.ca
Tel: 780-450-0169
Fax: 780-450-0604
Web: www.dehyassoc.ca

Associated Ginseng Growers of British Columbia
Box 241
Vermon, British Columbia V1T 6M2
Canada
Tel/Fax: 250-957-9367

Ontario Ginseng Growers Association
191 Queensway West, Unit 2
Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 2M8
Canada
Email: admin@ginsenggrowers.com
Tel: 519-426-7046
Fax: 519-426-9087
Web: www.ginsengontario.com

Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (CHTA)
Box 1484
Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1N2
Canada
Email: info@hemptrade.ca
Tel: 204-326-9542
Fax: 204-346-1029
Web: www.hemptrade.ca

Saskatchewan Mustard Development Commission
212-111 Research Drive
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 3R2
Canada
E-mail: info@saskmustard.com
Tel: 306-975-6629
Fax: 306-975-0136
Web: www.saskmustard.ca

Canadian Seed Growers' Association
P.O. Box 8455
202 - 240 Catherine Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3T1
Canada
Email: seeds@seedgrowers.ca
Tel: 613-236-0497
Fax: 613-563-7855
Web: www.seedgrowers.ca

Canadian Seed Trade Association
39 Robertson Road, Suite 505
Ottawa, Ontario K2H 8R2
Canada
Email: csta@cdnseed.org
Tel: 613-829-9527
Fax: 613-829-3530
Web: www.cdnseed.org

Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada
915 Highway #7
Oakwood, Ontario K0M 2M0
Canada
Email: csaac@rogers.com
Tel: 705-953-9459
Fax: 705-953-9384
Web: www.seedanalysts.com

Canadian Seed Institute
Suite 200 - 240 Catherine Street
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 2G8
Canada
E-mail: jmccullagh@csi-ics.com 
Tel: 613-236-6451
Fax: 613-236-7000
Toll Free: 1-800-516-3300
Web: www.csi-ics.com

National Sunflower Association of Canada
38-4th Avenue N.E.
Box 1269
Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0
Canada
Email: info@canadasunflower.com
Tel: 204-745-6776
Web: www.canadasunflower.com

Provincial Links

Buckwheat

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex103?opendocument

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/specialcrops/bib01s01.html

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/pub811/9buck.htm

Canary Seed

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex120?opendocument

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=b3b1fd99-df9c-4da2-bd0e-6342bdef9e69

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/specialcrops/bic01s01.html

Caraway Seed

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex123?opendocument

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3ab32959-9a01-4d97-b97d-feb19a251b86

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/specialcrops/bid01s01.html

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/herbs/carawa.htm

Coriander Seed

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex121?opendocument

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=bbd5605d-c129-478d-bde3-bbd6da56aa34

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/specialcrops/bie01s01.html

Forages

British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
www.agf.gov.bc.ca/aboutind/products/plant/forage.htm

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app21/seltopic?cat1=Crops&cat2=Forages+%26+Range

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Forages-Annual
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Forages-Native
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Forages-Perennial

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/forages/

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/forages.html

Québec Ministère de l'agriculture, des pêcheries et de l'alimentation (available only in French)
www.mapaq.gouv.qc.ca/Fr/Regions/bassaintlaurent/Infofourrage

Prince Edward Island Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture
www.gov.pe.ca/af/agweb/index.php3?number=69212&lang=e

Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources and Agrifoods
www.nr.gov.nl.ca/agric/crops/forage.stm

Ginseng

British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
www.agf.gov.bc.ca/aboutind/products/plant/ginseng.htm

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/ginseng.html

Industrial Hemp

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=bee18d0a-c34d-4496-a706-f295f172fb6e

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/hemp/bko01s00.html

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex126?opendocument

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/hemp.html

Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture
www.gov.ns.ca/agri/marketing/research/hempms02.shtml

Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/crop4220

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/crops/medicinal/index.html

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/herbs/profiles.htm

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Natural Resources
www.nr.gov.nl.ca/agric/crops/herbs.stm

Mustard Seed

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/crop764

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/specialcrops/big01s01.html

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/mustard

Safflower Seed

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/crop767

Sunflower Seed

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/crop768?opendocument

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Sunflower

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/oilseeds/bgd01s01.html

Sugar Beets

Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development
www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/econ7509

Wild Rice

Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=9f6b2ff8-1ece-4603-b2c9-3025b777e594

Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council

Labour Market Information on Recruitment and Retention in Primary Agriculture
www.cahrc-ccrha.ca/docs/Labour%20Market%20Information%20Final%20Report.pdf