Sugar beet industry soured on change

Threats of decreasing the percentage of Canadian sugar in processed foods and still qualify for a Made-in-Canada food label has stirred strong emotions in southern Alberta’s sugar beet industry

“I am very disappointed to hear that CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) is reconsidering changes to the food labelling content levels put in place a year ago,” Rob Boras of Iron Springs, president of the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers Marketing Board, said in a letter to Lethbridge Conservative MP Rick Casson.

Casson jumped to the defense of his sugar beet industry.

He can’t understand why the Canadian product content debate has been reopened.
The existing rule says ingredients like sugar in processed foods should be 98 per cent Canadian to qualify for the “Made-in-Canada” product label.

“I want it to stay that way.”
Casson was uncertain the deadline for public comment, but urged a strong letter and e-mail writing campaign to support the southern Alberta sugar industry.

He said the Lantic sugar factory in Taber can be expanded and growers are still looking for a more solid industry.

Boras said there is no doubt, any reduction on the use of Canadian sugar “will impact our sugar beet industry in a negative way.

“With the 'Product-of-Canada' on the label of many foods, including sugar, it was thought that the sugar beet industry would stand some chance of competing with foreign-sourced ingredients,” said Boras. “It helped us remain optimistic about our future.”

Boras said the suggestion from some people that Canadian sugar is difficult to find is not true. Some say proponents of change want the Canadian product limits reduced to 85 per cent and still qualify for the Made-in-Canada product label.

“Alberta produces more sugar than can be consumed in western Canada and in turn has to find export markets.” said Boras. “Why not keep it in Canada instead?
“If those food manufacturers want Canadian-made sugar it can travel across this country quite freely.

“I am also reminded that when we had our roundtable discussion with the minister (Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz) over a year ago, he was very receptive to the idea of home-grown products which promoted both food safety and economic growth. How about sugar?”

Boras asks Casson and his Medicine Hat counterpart Lavar Payne to make Ritz aware that sugar beet growers are very nervous of the consequences that may arise if the levels of content are reduced.

source: lethbridgeherald