Changes to US Renewable Fuel Standard to help Canadian canola growers

Dec 08, 2022

Canola’s role in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions took another step forward last week.

Certain fuels made with canola and rapeseed oil now qualify as advanced biofuels in the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule last week.

Canadian Oilseed Processors Association Executive Director Chris Vervaet said the potential for the canola industry is enormous.

“It’s a very important milestone,” he said. “We’ve been working off and on with the regulators in the United States and with our partners in the United States to get access to the US renewable diesel market for many years so to finally have a pathway for canola in that market is, again a really important milestone and provides a lot of potential opportunity for canola going forward.”

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Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.