I'll recommence about a sentence or so back.
While we understand and agree that the technical discussions between regulatory subject-matter experts must be allowed to occur to either address or dispel these quality issues that have been raised, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of expediting this process. The current state of uncertainty is creating significant distress among all industry stakeholders and, in particular, producers who are currently making spring seeding decisions. The decisions they are presently facing are extremely difficult and have a very material effect on their success or failure in 2019 in terms of their crop production and their cash flows.
ln the case of exporters like Richardson, if the current disruption continues over the longer term, we will have no choice but to find other markets for Canadian canola seed. However, doing so will be no easy task and can only occur over a longer period of time, given the magnitude of the Chinese market today. This past year, China accounted for over 30% of all Canadian grain and oilseed exports, having grown from just over 20% in prior years. While we are confident that we can eventually find other markets, it will not be a painless exercise.
As it develops its response plan, the Government of Canada should take note that China is not the only country where Canada's grain and oilseed sector has experienced significant market access problems. The closure of the pea and lentil market to India, as well as the durum wheat market to Italy have also been difficult and costly challenges for our industry in the recent past. Possible trade disruptions in several other countries and the spectre of a non-risk-based regulation in the European Union have formed a veritable cocktail of trade disruption for Canada's grains, oilseeds and pulses industry. The Government of Canada must become both involved and more aggressive in defending these sectors' interests from technical barriers to trade in our various export markets. lt should, in fact, be the number one concern of our government for the majority of our bilateral trading relationships where grain sectors figure prominently.
ln closing, we would like to thank the government and its officials for their stated commitment to finding a solution to the current challenge. Given the significance of this issue and the consequences that will flow to our industry and the entire Canadian economy, we trust that the Government of Canada will commit all available resources and expertise to its resolution. ln that respect, Richardson International will at all times be ready, willing and able to lend its assistance if required.
Thank you for this opportunity, and we'll be happy to answer questions at the appropriate time.