Evidence of meeting #32 for International Trade in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was market.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Sandra Marsden  President, Canadian Sugar Institute
Greg Simpson  President, Simpson Seeds Inc.

12:45 p.m.

President, Simpson Seeds Inc.

Greg Simpson

I think the problem with our seed is that it is specifically developed for our climatic zones, so our lentil seed from Canada would fail to produce any seed in Colombia.

Also, the problem they have in Colombia is that their farmers aren't sufficiently educated to farm lentils. They've been more adept at growing other crops. I believe people who have strengths should work on strengths in a global market, and obviously in Colombia it's not a strength to grow lentils. They are better to produce other commodities.

We produce lentils very efficiently, obviously, because Canada has grown this industry that was virtually unheard of in 1980 when we started our company, to now, where it's world-renowned. We're the world's largest producer of lentils, and that's because that is our strength. We are very competitive, high-quality producers.

I think it's best that we export our lentils into Colombia and let Colombian farmers produce what they're best at. I would guess one of those items would be coffee, which we all enjoy.

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Lee Richardson

Thank you, Mr. Guimond.

We've had a good round of questions. We got through the second round, and I'm pleased that we were able to do that. Great presentations.

With that, we will conclude, again thanking both of you for coming on short notice and making your presentations today. I very much appreciate it.

Thank you, and continued success.

12:45 p.m.

President, Simpson Seeds Inc.

Greg Simpson

You're welcome.

Because it was Friday when I got called, I wasn't able to submit the presentation. Now I can submit one via the Internet or e-mail it later to the clerk. Would that be fine, Mr. David? Then it would be available for people to have it translated and read once again.

I want to remind people that if anybody is interested in our newsletter, I have copies here.

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Lee Richardson

Good. Thank you. It is on the record. These are transcribed. You can see them on the Internet.

12:45 p.m.

President, Simpson Seeds Inc.

Greg Simpson

Oh, okay. That's good.

12:45 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Lee Richardson

Thank you again.

With that, the meeting is adjourned.