July 23, 2013
Canada invests in research and innovation for rapeseed sector''s development
Press release
Focused on enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the rapeseed industry, the Canadian government will inject substantial new investment in research and innovation to benefit rapeseed growers.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced a Growing Forward 2 investment in the Canola Council of Canada to lead a research cluster focused on developing the sustainability and competitiveness of the rapeseed sector.
"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 Ritz. "This project will create new opportunities for growers by helping to increase their productivity and profitability, while expanding their market opportunities."
The investment of US$15 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 Forward that included preliminary research suggesting rapeseed oil may be helpful in fighting obesity and cardiovascular disease.
"Investment in innovation has driven incredible growth in the rapeseed industry, 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.
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. Ensuring this industry remains strong and competitive benefits all Canadians through improved health, food security and job creation.
Support for the Cluster comes from the Growing Forward 2 AgriInnovation Programme, a five-year initiative of up to US$698 million that is designed to serve as a catalyst for innovation by supporting research, development, commercialisation, and adoption of innovative products, technologies, and services. The terms of this Cluster investment are subject to the signing of contribution and collaboration agreements.
The new Growing Forward 2 policy framework, which came into effect on April 1, 2013, will continue to drive innovation and long-term growth in Canada. In addition to a generous suite of business risk management programmes, governments have agreed to invest more than US$3 billion over five years in innovation, competitiveness, and market development.