Chinese importers have stopped buying Canadian canola seed, according to an industry group

There’s a potentially big hit to the pocketbooks of western Canadian farmers, just weeks away from spring seeding.

Canola seed exporters have told the Canola Council of Canada that Chinese importers are currently unwilling to purchase their product.

The reports come weeks after China's foreign ministry blocked imports from one of Canada's largest grain producers, Richardson International, citing fears of insect infestation.

At the time, some suggested the move was retaliation for Canada's arrest of a top Chinese tech executive.

Speaking with reporters in Ontario about an hour ago, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau struck a note of optimism saying he believes he can "work out" issues with China over canola imports.

Guest: Brian Innes

Vice President of Public Affairs at the Canola Council of Canada

There’s a potentially big hit to the pocketbooks of western Canadian farmers, just weeks away from spring seeding.

Canola seed exporters have told the Canola Council of Canada that Chinese importers are currently unwilling to purchase their product.

The reports come weeks after China's foreign ministry blocked imports from one of Canada's largest grain producers, Richardson International, citing fears of insect infestation.

At the time, some suggested the move was retaliation for Canada's arrest of a top Chinese tech executive.

Speaking with reporters in Ontario about an hour ago, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau struck a note of optimism saying he believes he can "work out" issues with China over canola imports.

Guest: Brian Innes

Vice President of Public Affairs at the Canola Council of Canada