The U.S. Canola Association (USCA) joined more than 250 agricultural groups on a letter to Senate and House Agriculture Committee leaders about the safety of vital pest management tools and agricultural inputs. They wish to 1) clarify why these tools are greatly needed, especially for maintaining American competitiveness and national security; 2) highlight the various harms that would occur should access to these tools be impeded; and 3) affirm that these tools already have in place appropriate science- and risk-based regulatory systems, which should not be undermined.

The USCA, along with several other agricultural groups, endorsed a proposal introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) to provide economic assistance for farmers. The Farm Assistance and Revenue Mitigation (FARM) Act would provide emergency assistance to producers of eligible commodities for which the expected revenue in crop year 2024 is below the projected per-acre cost of production. It is intended to help farmers pay down debt relative to the 2024 crop and assist them in obtaining financing for the 2025 crop year.  Congress will enact a disaster assistance package during the lame duck session in response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. It is uncertain if there will also be provisions for economic assistance for farmers with low prices and high production costs. If so, there will likely be alternatives to the FARM Act as Congress weighs the costs and efficiency of assistance.

Congress is preparing for comprehensive tax legislation next year as a number of major provisions expire at the end of 2025. As a result, the USCA joined over 30 agricultural groups on a letter to House Ways & Means Committee members highlighting tax policy priorities for agricultural producers. These priorities include maintaining stepped-up basis, estate tax relief, section 179 expensing, 1031 like-kind exchanges and the 20% capital gains rate as well as restoring 100% bonus and making lower individual tax rates, expanded tax brackets and 199A qualified business income deduction permanent.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced an online toolbox with educational resources related to pesticide use and protection of endangered species. It details mitigation strategies and measures, including pesticide labeling, that need to be implemented under the Endangered Species Act. Documents and webinars target various stakeholders, such as crop consultants and retailers. The EPA plans to update the toolbox with additional materials over time.

The EPA is registering Glufosinate-P as a new active ingredient for weed control in canola. It is the first registration under EPA’s new Herbicide Strategy framework. The listed mitigation measures include:

• Prohibiting application during rainfall and when soils are saturated or above field capacity;
• Requiring users to visit EPA’s Mitigation Menu Website before application and determine an appropriate strategy for meeting or exceeding the required number of mitigation points as specified on the label;
• Maintaining a downwind buffer between the last spray row and protection area of 50 feet for aerial application and 10 feet for ground application; and
• Instructing users to access and follow any additional directions and restrictions in applicable bulletins for two listed species, Spring Creek bladderpod plant and whorled sunflower plant, from “Bulletins Live! Two” web-based system.

The EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have released a Unified Website for Biotechnology Regulation to help developers of biotech products navigate the regulatory system. This pertains to plants, animals and microorganisms derived from genetic engineering or the targeted manipulation of genetic information. The tool provides a starting point for researchers and developers, especially those new to biotech product development. The website helps meet President Biden’s goals, outlined in Executive Order 14081, of ensuring public confidence in the biotech regulatory system and improving its transparency, predictability, coordination and efficiency. The agencies will continue to expand the website’s utility, scope and user base as well as align USDA and EPA data requirements to improve transferability and reduce duplicative reviews of biotech products. Additionally, the USDA issued a request for information to explore less burdensome pathways to commercializing genetically modified microbes.

In its Oct. 11 crop production report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts 2024 canola production at 4.93 billion pounds on 2.76 million planted acres – both all-time records. Canola growers expect to harvest a record 2.72 million acres, up 17 percent from 2023. Yield is expected to average 1,811 pounds per acre, 18 pounds above last year, as the fifth highest on record. Kansas and Oklahoma yields are up significantly, by 600 and 1,000 pounds per acre, respectively, from last year. Record high yields are forecast in Oklahoma as well as Minnesota. However, yields in Montana will be drastically, down 520 pounds per acre from 2023. While canola imports are projected to be unchanged from last year, U.S. canola exports are up 200% and now projected at 397 million pounds.

Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman reported on Red River Farm Network that North Dakota canola production this year is estimated at 4 billion pounds, “shattering previous records,” with yield averaging 1,880 pounds per acre, up 70 pounds from 2023. Planted area in North Dakota is estimated at a record 2.15 million acres, up 11% from last year and 100,000 acres from the USDA’s June estimate.

Traditional soil sampling, which involves collecting one composite sample from the most productive areas of a field, can miss important insights from lower-yielding areas such as hilltops, low spots or saline regions, notes the Canola Council of Canada. By only focusing on mid-slopes, where soil is typically more fertile, critical information that could improve yields in problem areas may be overlooked. Taking additional samples from low-yield zones, such as those prone to lodging or with low organic matter, can identify nutrient deficiencies. This can help farmers determine nutrient solutions, such as reducing nitrogen or adding sulfur or potassium, increasing overall yield for relatively low cost. Proper sampling techniques and maintaining consistent sampling locations year-over-year are also recommended for more accurate results.

A University of Alberta study reveals that soil pH significantly influences the growth and severity of Verticillium longisporum fungus, a destructive pathogen causing Verticillium stripe in canola crops. The research shows that the fungus thrives in neutral to alkaline soil, particularly at a pH of 7.8, where infection symptoms intensify. First detected in Manitoba in 2014, the fungus has since spread across multiple provinces, sometimes reducing yields by 10-50%. The findings provide canola producers with critical information on monitoring soil pH to manage disease risks effectively. While liming can increase soil pH to prevent acidic soil diseases like clubroot, it may also heighten vulnerability to Verticillium stripe. This study lays groundwork for more integrated disease management strategies.

The GCIRC (Global Council for Innovation in Rapeseed and Canola) is calling for abstracts for presentations at its technical meeting 8-10 April 2025 in Cambridge, UK. The meeting will focus on climate change and presentations will be grouped into three sessions: 1) adapting agronomy (nutrient use efficiency; breeding and managing for climatic stress; in-crop diversification), 2) managing pests and diseases and 3) greenhouse gas emission reduction. Abstracts can be submitted until Nov. 30.

Consumption of seed oils high in unsaturated fatty acids (building blocks of fat), including canola, is associated with numerous health benefits and may lower the risk of chronic diseases, according to a scientific review published Oct. 30 in the British Journal of Nutrition. Such vegetable oils derived from seeds contain varying levels of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). Clinical trials show that higher intake of unsaturated fatty acids from plant sources improves major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Population studies indicate that higher PUFA intake as well as replacement of saturated fatty acids with PUFAs are associated with lower risk of CVD and type 2 diabetes. And contrary to social media claims, clinical trials show that increased omega-6 linoleic acid intake does not increase markers of inflammation or oxidative stress. In fact, epidemiological and clinical trial evidence indicates that omega-6 PUFA intake is cardioprotective. Guidelines from authoritative health and scientific organizations recommend the intake of non-tropical vegetable oils, such as canola, as part of healthful dietary patterns.

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), composed of 20 nationally recognized nutrition and public health experts appointed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and USDA, held its seventh and final meeting Oct. 21-22. The DGAC has been gathering evidence and public input since 2023 to provide science-based nutrition advice to the HHS and USDA for developing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030. Canola oil, recognized in previous guidelines for its healthy fat composition, has been highlighted by the U.S. Canola Association (USCA) for its health benefits, particularly in reducing the risk of heart disease, notes USCA Director of Communications Angela Dansby in the latest USCA Blog. Canola oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and provides vitamin E, a nutrient that is often under-consumed. The USCA has emphasized to the HHS and USDA canola oil’s role in promoting cardiovascular health, hoping these benefits will continue to be reflected in the next edition of the guidelines.

What’s the difference between canola and vegetable oil? Both are pale yellow in color, neutral in flavor and inexpensive with high smoke points (468 °F for canola oil, not 400 °F as the article misreports), which makes them good for high-heat cooking, noted Southern Living. While technically vegetable oil is any oil derived from plants or seeds like canola, in the United States, vegetable oil is typically just soybean or corn oil or both. By comparison, canola oil is lower in saturated fat, making it a healthier option.

Real Simple also compared canola and vegetable oils, noting that vegetable oils generally contain more saturated fat than canola oil and have a lower smoke point. “As a rich source of these unsaturated fats, canola oil is considered heart healthy and can play a role in lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing heart disease risk,” noted a registered dietitian. Canola oil is also excellent for frying due to its high heat tolerance.

The value of canola to the Canadian economy has more than doubled in the past decade, currently generating an average of $43.7 billion annually, according to an independent report commissioned by the Canola Council of Canada (CCC). Canada’s canola sector supports an average of 206,000 jobs and $16.3 billion in wages from coast to coast. Between 2012-13 and 2022-23:

• The total wage impact of the sector has increased more than 80%, adding over $8 billion in wages to the Canadian economy.
• Domestic canola processing and refining expanded significantly, generating more than six times the economic impact.
• Canola-based biofuel production rose from $70 million to $1.1 billion.

This growth is driven by higher prices and volumes produced as well as significantly greater use of canola oil in biofuels. “This has been a period of major investment by the industry,” says CCC president and CEO Chris Davison.

Canada leads global canola oil production with 20 million metric tons annually, outpacing second-place China by nearly 5 million tons per Tasting Table. The only close competitor is the European Union, but even its largest single producer, Germany, produces less than a fifth of Canada’s output. Canola oil is the third most-used cooking oil worldwide after palm and soybean oils, so it – and Canada – have a big influence on global cooking.

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act’s new 45Z rule could impose a strict country-of-origin requirement for biofuel feedstock, potentially restricting Canadian canola’s access to the U.S. market per RealAgriculture. Chris Vervaet of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association highlights the significance of the U.S. biofuel market for Canadian canola. If the rule’s final language defines “domestic feedstock” in a way that excludes Canadian products, it could harm the industry, potentially necessitating trade agreements or policy adjustments to protect Canadian exports. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack previously warned against retaliatory trade measures from other countries in The Western Producer.

The U.S. push for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a promising though uncertain market opportunity for Canada’s canola sector per The Western Producer. The Biden administration has set ambitious SAF production goals, targeting 3 billion gallons by 2030. The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association is optimistic about the potential for canola to serve as a key feedstock, but technical uncertainties around feedstock eligibility and carbon intensity modeling that penalizes crop-based sources create hurdles for canola’s inclusion. Moreover, U.S. policymakers and commodity groups are advocating for domestic-only feedstocks, which could exclude Canadian canola oil from tax incentives like the proposed 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit. The canola industry supports barring foreign tallow and used cooking oil but remains concerned about the implications of a U.S.-exclusive feedstock policy.

Canola Week 2024 will be Dec. 3-5 at the Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown. It will open with a recap of the growing season and state of the industry, followed by nutrient management priorities to optimize canola production and canola innovations. Canola Week merges three meetings into one.

The 2025 Canadian Crops Convention, hosted by the Canola Council of Canada and Canada Grains Council, will be March 4-6 at the JW Marriott in Edmonton, Alberta.

The global canola meal market has grown strongly in recent years to $600.11 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%, according to a new report from the Business Research Company on “Global Canola Meal Market Size and Trends Analysis with Forecast 2024-2033.” The historic growth is attributed to adoption in sustainable animal production systems, extended demand for animal feeds with high-quality protein sources, environment-friendly food products and increased awareness of benefits of canola meal. The market size is expected to grow to $766.56 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 6.3%. Major trends in this period will include innovations in canola processing technology, expansion into emerging markets, more cultivation of canola crops, product innovation and diversification and introduction of new canola meals.

Per Biofuels International, the U.S. biofuel market is growing rapidly, making canola cultivation more appealing to U.S. farmers, with a record-high area of over 1 million hectares planted to canola in the 2024-25 season, a 13% increase from the previous year. The USDA predicts a record harvest of 2.1 million tonnes, with key canola-producing states (North Dakota, Montana and Washington) all expanding their cultivation areas to record levels. The growth is driven by strong demand canola oil for biofuel, supported by the Renewable Fuel Standard and California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, as well as for canola meal as dairy feed. However, U.S. production still lags behind demand, leading to increased imports of canola products from Canada.

Burcon NutraScience Corporation launched a canola protein for the expanding egg replacement market, which is being driven by rising egg prices and supply shortages, exacerbated by avian influenza outbreaks. With egg prices increasing by 57% year-over-year in August 2024, food manufacturers are seeking alternatives. Burcon’s canola protein isolate, boasting over 90% protein purity, offers a sustainable, cost-effective substitute for eggs in baked goods. It can replace up to 100% of powdered and shelled eggs while providing 20-30% cost savings. Additionally, this vegan-friendly option delivers functionality, taste, and price stability for manufacturers and consumers.

Bayer CropScience Inc. announced that it will acquire a canola treating and packaging facility in Coaldale, Alberta from HyTech Production Ltd. with an anticipated closing date of Nov. 1. “As Bayer continues increasing its canola business, we have been exploring ways to enhance the processes and assets that contribute to this important crop,” says Antoine Bernet, President and CEO, Bayer CropScience Inc. “With an expected increase in canola volume, the facility is perfectly located and designed to support Bayer’s Canola business today as well as enable future growth.”

The Annual Canola Expo of the Northern Canola Growers Association is once again part of the Crop Outlook & International Durum Forum, which will be Nov. 6-7 at the Grand Hotel in Minot, N.D. The free conference will feature many educational presentations on canola, covering topics such as biofuel, canola diseases, rotation management and strategies to combat kochia resistance. The keynote speakers will be Jerry Gulke and Dr. Bill Wilson. Pre-registration is recommended.

The Pacific Northwest Canola Association (PNWCA) and Northern Pulse Growers Association will join the Montana Grain Growers Association’s annual convention again this year Nov. 3-5 in Great Falls, Idaho. The PNWCA board of directors is meeting with strategic planners in early December to discuss short- and long-range goals as well as other future directions for the organization. On Jan. 28-29, the PNWCA Annual Meeting and Canola Workshop will be in Moscow, Idaho.

Rubisco Seeds has joined the USCA as an industry member and Brian Caldbeck will  represent the company on USCA’s Board of Directors. Mike Hilker will replace Ray Albrecht, who recently retired, as Cargill’s representative on the board. Welcome both!

The autumn USCA board meeting will be in San Diego, Calif., Mon.-Wed., Nov. 11-13. The spring 2025 board and membership meeting will be in Washington, D.C., Mon.-Wed., March 17-19.

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