OSU Canola Study Validates State's Prohibitions

Concerns over canola's potential to infest vegetable seed crops are viable and warrant the crop's prohibition in parts of Oregon, according to recently released findings from a three-year study.

In summarizing the findings, Russ Karow, head of Oregon State University's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, noted that several questions surrounding canola's compatibility with vegetable seed crops remain unanswered.

But, he wrote: "Given the potential risk, precaution suggests not allowing canola production at this time."

Dan Hilburn, an administrator with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, said the findings validate the state's prohibition of canola in four areas where vegetable seed crops are grown. Canola production is banned in the Willamette Valley, a three-county area in Central Oregon and two small areas in Eastern Oregon.

"It looks to us like the specialty seed and vegetable industry and commercial canola production can't be grown in the same area," Hilburn said. "The (Willamette) valley has historically been for specialty seed and vegetables, and we're going to keep it that way."

Dean Freeborn, who farms near Rickreall and wants to grow canola, said he was disappointed in the report.

Freeborn said he's hoping the state relaxes restrictions on canola production or provides him with a special research permit to grow the crop in time for him to plant some canola this fall.