Why Export Development?
Ontario is the only wheat growing region in North America with increasing acreage. Acres in other regions are either decreasing or experiencing stagnation.

But while acreage is increasing in Ontario, domestic demand remains relatively flat. The OWPMB sees this seemingly overproduction as a huge opportunity for export development.

Now that Ontario is able to consistently supply about 1 million tonnes of wheat to the international market, we are gaining a good reputation. International importers are starting to see Ontario as a reputable supplier of high quality wheat. And the OWPMB is hoping to foster and develop this reputation through a variety of trade missions and international market development.

International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Conference and Expo 2008, Tanzania, Africa
In November, 2008 Larry Shapton, General Manager and Peter Tuinema, Manager of Policy and Programs travelled to Tanzania for the IAOM Conference and Expo. Two other industry representatives joined them.

IAOM is an international organization comprised of grain millers and allied trades representatives devoted to the advancement of education and training opportunities in the grain milling industries.

Through this trip the OWPMB was able to:

• Network with key wheat importers from North Africa and the Middle East
• Host a Ontario Wheat display in the Expo spreading the word about the quality of Ontario Wheat
• Promote brand recognition of Ontario Wheat

Egyptian Delegates Visit Ontario
In October, 2008 the OWPMB invited 3 delegates from Egypt to visit and to learn about Ontario Wheat production. Last year Egypt purchased about 180,000 tonnes of Ontario wheat.

In an effort to promote and expand this export/import relationship, OWPMB entertained important Egyptian wheat buyers. Through tours and meetings, we confirmed their suspicions: Ontario producers grow high quality wheat and we have the infrastructure to move it where it needs to be, in this case, Egypt.

Long –Term Export Development Plan
The Ontario Wheat Board recognizes the increasing necessity of export markets for our wheat and we are currently in the process of creating a 5-year export development plan.

In the past, as Ontario was not producing significant or consistent quantities of wheat, export development was done on an ad hoc basis. This system no longer works as we have reached a level of production that allows for strong export development programs.

This plan will benefit when sold by both the OWPMB but also Ontario wheat sold by private companies as well. The goal is to promote Ontario Wheat and to provide more opportunities in the export market for Ontario wheat producers.

Technical Information
Hard Red Winter Wheat
Hard Red Spring Wheat
Soft Red Winter Wheat