Australian oilseed growers have been given a free kick when exporting canola to the European Union.
From now on the EU is demanding any imported canola be certified to prove its been produced sustainable.
Destructive land clearing and poor labour practices are making it difficult for some of Australia’s main competitors to continue selling into Europe.
Peter Elliot from West Australian Cooperative Bulk Handling says there are significant advantages for anyone willing to go through the accreditation.
“There’s a massive free kick into Europe at the moment,” he says.
“It’s just been a perfect storm in a positive way for growers.”
“With the tight harvest worldwide, the non-GM advantage and now this sustainability thing.”
“This year the EU biofuel market has been really strong for WA and has been the key market.”
