In November 2019, Canadian wheat's largest growing export customer, China, was visited by New Crop Mission representatives in the country's capital, Beijing. With over 149 attendees from all over China including millers, traders and end-use manufactures in attendance learning about the 2019 crop quality assessment, farming in western Canada, grain quality and safety. These seminars helped create direct sales of Canadian wheat after it was completed.

Key Findings

• Main concerns for millers, end-use manufactures and trade was related to falling number and moisture since China stores wheat for long periods of time. 
• Discussion regarding China's ergot tolerance came forward. China requested more information from New Crop Mission representatives about ergot to be sent after the seminar. 
• China inquired about Canada's ability to supply despite bad harvest conditions and rail strikes for shipments.

"The New Crop Missions are essential to me being able to continue to market my wheat. We need to be able to listen to them and answer their questions, as well as tell our Canadian grower story. It is important to consistently work on building and maintain these important trade partner relationships."

Brett Halstead, Director, Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission