WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — Canada’s Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced on Feb. 11, that Canada is investing over C$980,000 ($704,291) in research to help drive innovation and profitability in the canola industry.
 
The investment through the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) will support the canola industry's new strategic plan entitled “Keep it coming: 52 by 2025” designed to help improve canola yields to meet 26 million tonnes of global demand and increase yield to 52 bushels per acre by 2025.

"Canada's canola sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy. Investments in research will help boost canola yields and position the sector for future growth and sustainability," said MacAuley.

Canola drives Canada's economy with C$7.4 billion in farm cash receipts and over C$9 billion in exports, including oil and meal. About 85% of Canada's canola production is exported internationally to countries such as China, Japan, Mexico and the U.S. In 2014, Canada exported 9.6 million tonnes of canola seed for a value of C$5.2 billion.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists, in collaboration with Canola Council of Canada, will conduct research on disease management, stand establishment and fertility management.

“The government’s support for canola agronomic research is great news for the canola industry,” said Patti Miller, president of CCC. “Teamwork has always been a strength of our sector and this partnership will play a critical role in reaching our shared vision of sustainably and profitably increasing canola production in Canada.”