Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
January 14, 2015

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced an investment of up to $9.5 million to the Canola Council of Canada to support market development activities aimed at increasing the consumption and value of canola in domestic and global markets.

The activities being undertaken in this project will help Canada's canola industry meet its growth target of 26 million tonnes of sustainable canola production by 2025. This will be achieved through market research as well as developing international and domestic strategic partnerships, participating in conferences and trade shows, and developing recipes for canola-based healthy meals.

Quick facts

• The Canola Council of Canada is a national, non-profit association representing the entire Canadian canola industry, including growers, seed developers, processors, and exporters. Its mission is to advance the growth and profitability of the canola industry based on innovation, sustainability, resilience, and the creation of superior value for a healthier world.
• The Canadian canola industry contributes over $19.3 billion annually to the Canadian economy, including supporting nearly 249,000 jobs.
• Canada is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of canola, a plant that is primarily used to make healthy cooking oil and meal for livestock feed. Canola oil contains the least saturated fat and the most plant-based omega-3 fat of all common culinary oils.
• This investment is being made through Agriculture Canada's AgriMarketing Program, a five-year, up to $341-million initiative under Growing Forward 2.

Quotes

"Our government continues to support what matters most to Canadians—job creation, prosperity and the economy. 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."

- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz

"The Canola Council of Canada welcomes this significant investment in canola market access and development. With 90% of our canola production destined for world markets, these ativities are an integral part of boosting canola's value and ensuring industry growth."

- Patti Miller, President, Canola Council of Canada

Additional links

• Growing Forward 2 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• AgriMarketing Program (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
• Canola Council of Canada

Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca

Published: January 14, 2015