Feds invest $12.1 million to advance innovation in canola sector

The federal government is providing up to $12.1 million to advance innovation and sustainability in Canada’s canola sector, focused on creating new and improved products. Lawrence MacCauley, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, announced the funding in Winnipeg to the Canola Council of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriScience Clusters program. The research investment includes an industry contribution of up to $8.1 million. Activities will include adapting food processing techniques, exploring uses for canola meal in livestock production, and examining practices to optimize yields. In 2016, Canadian canola seed and oil exports accounted for almost 15%, or $9.2 billion, of total agriculture and agri-food exports. Increasing exports of canola seed to China reached $2.7 billion in 2016. Canadian-grown canola contributes $26.7 billion to the country’s total economic activity each year, according to a 2017 study.