March 3, 2010

Canada invests US$18 million for canola research

The Canadian federal government will spend C$19 million (US$18.4 million) over the next three years to fund a canola cluster.

This research will bring together the best scientific expertise at Agriculture Canada and various universities across the country. The Canola Council of Canada will also put in another C$5.5 million (US$5.3 million) for the research.

Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz says this research will help Canadian producers protect their crops and expand their markets.

About C$10 million (US$9.66 million) will be spent on production issues of direct interest to farmers. The 32 projects cover areas such as crop establishment, crop nutrition, crop protection, harvest management and storage management.

A project seeking to prevent the spread of clubroot, a disease that had caused great damage in Alberta, will receive C$4.6 million (US$4.4 million). This project aims to understand the biology of the disease, find better management practices and develop better germplasm for resistance.

More than C$5 million (US$4.8 million) will be spent on research to strengthen canola oil's reputation as the most heart-healthy cooking oil, in order to remain ahead of competitors in the edible oil market, especially soy.

The remaining C$4.4 million (US$4.25 million) will go towards studies to maximise the use of canola meal in dairy feeds.