Canadian Government Invests Over $980,000 in Canola Industry

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Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay today announced the investment of over $980,000 for new agronomic research focused on sustainability and profitability in Canadian canola production.

“Canada’s canola sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy,” said Minister MacAulay. “Investments in research will help boost canola yields and position the sector for future growth and sustainability.”

The investment will support the Canola Council of Canada’s strategic plan, named “Keep it Coming: 52 by 2025.” More specifically, it will aid in research on disease management, pollinator health, stand establishment and fertility management. The project will also look at crop production concerns to reduce risk, and increase yield, quality, profitability and sustainability.

“The government’s support for canola agronomic research is great news for the canola industry,” acknowledge Patti Miller, president of the Canola Council of Canada. “Teamwork has always been a strength of our sector and this partnership will play a critical role in reaching our shared vision of sustainably and profitably increasing canola production in Canada.”

Projects being funded under the “In Pursuit of 52 by 2025” Agri-Science Project include:

  • Characterization of the new strains of the clubroot pathogen in Alberta
  • Identification and genetic mapping of canola for resistance to clubroot pathotype 5X
  • Understanding the mechanisms for race-specific and non-specific resistance for effective use of cultivar resistance against blackleg of canola in Western Canada
  • Integrated approaches for flea beetle control – Economic thresholds, prediction models, landscape effects and natural enemies
  • Understanding the role dormancy plays in canola seed and seedling vigour, and stand establishment

The investment is being made through Growing Forward 2, under the AgriInnovation Program, and the federal funding will be combined with contributions from the Alberta Canola Producers Commission, Manitoba Canola Growers Association and the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission. The total funding of $1.9 million will be available over the next five years.

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