International Trade committee  Yes, it's very much so. It's partly our fault, I would say. The reason our honey is so expensive there is because of the quality of the honey and the fact that honey from Canada has been known to be the best in the world. The only honey that currently goes into Japan that's more

International Trade committee  Yes, there are. We do have members located in Quebec, and there is some Quebec honey exported to Japan. The reason that most of the honey exported to Japan comes from Alberta is the fact that 40% of the honey produced in Canada comes from Alberta. Most of the registered producers

International Trade committee  I would say there are definite disadvantages to being in eastern Canada, just for the transportation costs. My understanding is that ocean freight from eastern Canada to Tokyo, compared to western Canada to Tokyo, is close to double the cost. There's definitely an economic disadv

International Trade committee  Actually, I have no concerns about that at all. Our industry took the initiative to increase the standards in Japan for our product because we found that the Japanese buyers were very hesitant in relaying to us what they would like to see, whether it be testing protocols or our t

International Trade committee  It's definitely a struggle for provinces such as Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, and the Maritimes, because they are generally smaller producers. They don't have the finances available to meet some of the standards of these other countries. They're a much smaller base, but the

International Trade committee  Well, from 2006 to 2011, our industry faced the worst wintering losses it has had in its history, ranging from 35% loss to 90% winter loss. But it's very hard to find an unhappy beekeeper this year. We've probably had our best wintering ever. Due to that, we're looking forward

International Trade committee  Well, in regard to the EPA or TPP discussion, I fully agree with the previous two speakers and their comments. That directly relates to our industry as well. But regarding the potential growth for our product in Japan, the disaster that occurred last year in Japan really brough

International Trade committee  I'll answer very quickly. The reason we're at a disadvantage against China and Argentina entering Japan is the fact of the price difference, and the fact that Canadian honey can be blended with cheaper Chinese and Argentinian honey so that 25.5% tariff we currently face—China and

International Trade committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank the honourable members of the committee for allowing me the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Canadian Honey Council and its members. The potential economic partnership agreement between Canada and Japan is something we are fo

International Trade committee  Yes I am. The joys of technology, right?

International Trade committee  I guess where I left off was just saying that Japan's honey imports primarily come from China, Argentina, and Canada, in that order. One of the limiting factors for continued growth in the Japanese market is current import tariffs applied to honey from Canada. Countries such as M

International Trade committee  Yes, I can.