Carlier heads to India to address pulse tariffs

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier knows he probably won’t be able to change the Indian government’s mind on pulse tariffs when he heads to the country on a trade mission later this week.

But he hopes his visit will “start to turn the corner” on discussions.

Carlier is banking on his keynote address at the India Pulse Conclave 2018 to do some of the heavy lifting. The event is run by India’s top pulse and grain body and is expected to attract 1,500 delegates.

Late last year, India imposed a 50-per-cent tariff on chick pea imports.

The surprise move came hot on the heels of a dispute about pulse fumigation, in which India refused to extend a Canadian exemption for pest treatments on pulses.

The tariff and fumigation issues both fall under the jurisdiction of federal governments, Carlier said Wednesday, but he thinks heading to India is a step in the right direction.

“I have no doubt Indian processors realize the importance of the Canadian pulse crop to not only their economy but to feeding of their people,” he said.

As the disputes continue to loom over the pulse industry, plantings are forecast to drop considerably in 2018.

D’Arcy Hilgartner, chairman of Alberta Pulse Growers, said Wednesday his group is looking for transparency and predictability.

“If we have the ability to know what the India market will do and at what time, it will give some assurance to producers,” Hilgartner said.

Carlier’s week-long mission will take him to Kolkata for meetings with government officials, agriculture groups, producers and the Indian Union Minister for Food Processing.

While pulses are the focus of the trip, Carlier will also host an event promoting Alberta pork at the Canadian High Commission.

The estimated cost for travel, meals, accommodation and hosting for Carlier, one staffer and two department officials is $36,500.