Canada to research, develop new varieties of oilseed crops

September 30, 2013

Canada invested for the Soy 20/20 project to research and develop new varieties of oilseed crops which will benefit the country''s oilseed producers.

"Research and innovation are fundamental to ensuring our producers remain competitive and can capitalise on new opportunities in the ever-changing marketplace," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This investment will benefit producers through the introduction of a rotational oilseed crop, with big benefits for the sector and the economy."

This investment of CAD3.7 million (US$3.6 million) will help the Soy 20/20 project develop market-ready varieties of camelina sativa to growers across Canada and will help increase the value of the oil for industrial use. This non-food crop provides high-value renewable oils that can be used for green lubricants and polymers, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-derived products. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada researchers are collaborating on this project by working to improve the agronomic traits of the crop, such as higher yield and oil content, improved seed size, and resistance to diseases such as aster yellows.

Camelina is a drought-tolerant crop that can survive on little water and fertiliser and can be grown on marginal land, making it a valuable rotation crop for farmers. The residual meal can also be used as a nutritious, protein-rich feed for cattle, poultry, and swine.

"Soy 20/20 is particularly pleased to continue our close working relationship with Linnaeus Plant Sciences," said Jeff Schmalz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Soy 20/20. "New agriculture crops such as camelina will make a compelling addition to the portfolio of purpose-grown specialty soyvarieties that we are currently helping commercialise in Canada. These kinds of projects will benefit the environment and reduce our dependency on petroleum, while generating new income opportunities for Canadian farmers."

The project will be managed by Linnaeus Plant Sciences, an industry partner of Soy 20/20. "This commitment builds on earlier investments by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, including support under the Agricultural Bio-products Innovation Programme initiated in 2007, and it demonstrates their long-term commitment to this emerging crop," stated Jack Grushcow, President and CEO of Linnaeus Plant Sciences. "This enables us to build significant interest in camelina among Canada''s agriculture producers, and it further positions the crop as a valuable industrial oilseed platform."

The Agri-Innovation Programme is a five-year, up to CAD698-million (US$677 million) initiative under the Growing Forward Two policy framework. The industry-led research and development stream supports pre-commercialisation research, development, and knowledge transfer leading to innovative agriculture, agricultural-food, and agricultural-based practices, processes, and products. The terms of this investment are subject to the signing of contribution and collaboration agreements.

The new Growing Forward Two policy framework, which came into effect on April 1, 2013, will continue to drive innovation and long-term growth in Canada. In addition to a generous suite of business risk management programmes, governments have agreed to invest more than CAD3 billion (US$2.91 billion) over five years in innovation, competitiveness, and market development.