Federal government investing in Canadian canola industry

Jan 14, 2015

Investment made under Agriculture Canada’s AgriMarketing Program

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

News out of Saskatchewan has the federal government giving the Canola Council of Canada $9.5 million reasons to smile.

With their goal to produce 26 million tonnes of canola by 2025, the investment by the federal government is a step in the right direction.

"The Canola Council of Canada welcomes this significant investment in canola market access and development,” said Patti Miller, President of the Canola Council of Canada in a release. “With 90% of our canola production destined for world markets, these activities are an integral part of boosting canola's value and ensuring industry growth."

The funds will also be used for developing trade partnerships, attending trade shows and recipe development to promote healthy, canola-based meals.

Some driving factors behind the investment is that the canola industry in Canada- one of the world’s leaders, is responsible for over $19 billion in the country’s economy and employs more than 200,000 people.

"Our government continues to support what matters most to Canadians-job creation, prosperity and the economy,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in a release. “Our farmers grow the world's finest canola, and we will continue to make smart investments that help our farmers stay competitive now and in the future."

The investment is being made as part of the Canada AgriMarketing Program that could invest up to $341 million. The AgriMarketing Program is part of Growing Forward 2, a five-year (2013-2018), multi-billion dollar investment by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

Saskatchewan will be hosting canoLAB 2015 between Tuesday, February 10 and Wednesday, February 11.

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