July 24, 2013
Canadato invest US$14.5 million in boosting rapeseed industry
Canadahas announced its plan to invest CAD15 million (US$14.5 million) to improve the sustainability and competitiveness ofthe country''s rapeseed industry.
"Canada''s oilseed industry continues to be an important economic driver and research and development in this area is crucial to keeping the sector ahead of the curve," said Canadian agriculture minister,GerryRitz, as he announced the investment which is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada''s Growing Forward 2 policy. "This project will create new opportunities for growers by helping to increase their productivity and profitability, while expanding their market opportunities."
The investment of CAD$15 million (US$14.5 million) will bring together scientific expertise for research into key areas such as rapeseed oil and meal nutrition and production. One objective will be to increase the value of rapeseed oil by showcasing its health benefits. The research will build on an earlier investment of US$14.5 million made through Growing Forwardwhich included preliminary research suggesting thatrapeseed oil may be helpful in fighting obesity and cardiovascular disease.
"Investment in innovation has driven incredible growth in the rapeseedindustry, from increasing sustainable production and value-added processing in Canada to uncovering the health benefits of rapeseed oil and feed value of meal," says Patti Miller, Canola Council of Canada President. "We truly appreciate this investment by the government. Ensuring that our entire value chain has access to the latest technology, and that our customers understand the full value of our products, means that rapeseed will continue to make a significant contribution to economic growth in Canada."
Strong partnerships exist between industry, academia and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists. AAFC researchers will collaborate on several priorities including new uses of rapeseed in animal feed diets, ways to maximise production and resistance to stresses, strategies for pest management and disease resistance as well as improving the economic and environmental sustainability of rapeseed production.
Canadian-grown rapeseed contributed US$8.2 billion to the economy in farm cash receipts in 2012 and was the largest agricultural export sector, contributing US$8.6 billion in seed and oil sales to key global markets.