Harper Government Announces $43,000 Investment for Canola Sector

Minister Ritz Gives Canadian Canola Sector a Boost

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Canadian Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced $43,000 in funding for the Canola Council of Canada to invest in research and a long-term strategic plan to continue to bolster profits for canola farmers. "Research and innovation are key in the success of the Canadian canola sector," said Minister Ritz. The industry will utilize the investment dollars to focus on improving canola germplasm and the development of new varieties. Canada’s canola industry contributes $15.4 billion to the economy and generated more than 228,000 jobs. Canola is also Canada’s number –one generator in farm cash receipts totalling $5.6 billion annually.

To date, the industry has been successful in oil nutrition research, mean research and production research. The investment is not only good for canola farmers but will benefit the economy as a whole. The investment was made possible through the Agriculture Innovation Program (AIP) that seeks to equip the agriculture community with the tools necessary to access cutting-edge technology.