November-December 2012

November • December 2012

The official publication of the U.S. Canola Association and Northern Canola Growers Association

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PAIDPERMIT # 433BISMARCK, ND

CANOLA PROTEIN MAKERS NAVIGATE

FUTURE FOODS

Farm Bill Compass: Stalemate

Farmers Fight for Right to grow Canola in Willamette Valley, oregon

Pacific northwest Fuels Canola Biodiesel Production

features

8elections and lame-Duck Session limit options for Farm Billnew Legislation hangs on fiscal Cliff

14 Foodmakers Hungry for Canola ProteinCommercial Products to hit grocery stores in 2014

17Healthy eating trends Drive Canola oil in U.S. MarketplaceAmericans Choosing healthier Cooking oils and Methods

18editorial: Stop Ban on Canola in Willamette Valley, oregonfarmers fight for right to grow Crop Amongst other Brassica species

20 Pacific northwest FuelsCanola Biodiesel Productionregional Canola Acreage grows as Biofuel demand increases

24 Herbicide-tolerant Canola top Crop WorldwidePlant Biotechnology widely Adopted

U.S. Canola Digest is published four times a year in January/February, march/april, september/october and november/December by the u.s. canola association (usca) and northern canola Growers association (ncGa). subscription is complementary to all usca and ncGa members and other qualified members of the u.s. canola industry. Reproduction of contents is forbidden. copyright 2012.

Postmaster: send address changes to northern canola Growers association, 2718 Gateway ave., #301, Bismarck, nD 58503.

departments

4 editors’ Letter 6 UsCA Update 10 nCgA news 23 gPCA news 24 MCC news 25 Quick Bytes 26 Canola Cooks

on the cover

the compass of the canola industry points to foods made with canola protein in 2014, a farm bill debate continuing into 2013, limited rights to grow canola in willamette Valley, ore., and increased canola biodiesel production in the Pacific northwest.

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012VoL. 7, no. 4

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www.UsCAnoLA.CoM

eXeCUtiVe editorAngela [email protected]

MAnAging editorAlison neumer [email protected]

ContriBUting writersBarry Coleman; sheri Coleman, B.s.n., r.n.; Brent Connett; Jon dockter; Brittany farb; John gordley; kathy hadley; ron sholar; Mike stamm, M.s.; dale thorenson

PUBLishersBarry [email protected]

John [email protected]

sALes rePresentAtiVeMary o’[email protected]

grAPhiC designerMelissa [email protected]

PUBLished BYU.s. Canola Association 600 Pennsylvania, se, suite 320washington, dC 20003tel: 202.969.8113 • fax: 202.969.7036www.uscanola.com

northern Canola growers Association2718 gateway Ave, #301Bismarck, nd 58503tel: 701.223.4124 • fax: 701.223.4130www.northerncanola.com

regionAL AffiLiAtesgreat Lakes Canola Associationwww.agry.purdue.edu/ext/canola

great Plains Canola Associationwww.greatplainscanola.com

Minnesota Canola Councilwww.mncanola.org

As 2012 drAws to A finish,the compass of the canola industry points to continued growth on all fronts. Where is it headed? Navigate with us in this issue as we explore exciting developments in canola-based products, report on U.S. consumers’ promising views of canola oil and offer up the latest news from regional pro-ducers with strong indicators for the 2013 growing season.

Get your bearings first with a close look at canola protein. Derived from the meal leftover from oil extraction, this product is poised to enter the mar-

ket in mass by 2014. U.S. Canola Digest spoke with industry leaders and researchers about the growing demand for plant protein, canola pro-tein’s unique advantages in this sector and the potential value for canola growers. Turn to page 14 for an update on the race to bring products with canola protein to supermarket shelves.

Fueling up the Pacific NorthwestCanola oil acreage in the country’s Pacific Northwest is expected

to expand as the region’s biofuel manufacturers tap into the bene-fits of canola biodiesel. Canola oil’s low saturated fat content makes it healthy for cooking, but also a great biodiesel that can withstand lower

4 U . S . C a n o l a D i g e S t n ov em b er • d ec em b er 20 1 2

editors’ letter

Canola: from farm to fork to fuel

temperatures. Learn more about how canola oil is moving beyond the plate and into the gas tank on page 20.

Farm Bill FalloutThe expired farm bill terminated many important programs, leav-

ing some farmers and ranchers who depend on subsidies in the lurch. On page 6, U.S. Canola Association (USCA) Assistant Director Dale Thorenson details the impacts of Congress’s failure to pass the 2012 Farm Bill or extend the 2008 Farm Bill into 2013.

From a legislative standpoint, Congress needs to acts quickly before the session ends or risk rebooting the whole process. USCA Executive Director John Gordley explains the political picture on page 8 and why it’s complicated by the post-election lame-duck session.

Controversy in OregonWill canola outcross with vegetables in the Brassica family? Would-be

canola growers are battling that question from vegetable seed and organic industries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. We turn over pages 18-19 to one Oregon farmer who’s fighting to repeal a ban on planting what she calls the “perfect rotation crop” for the region’s dryland farmers.

Canola Oil Tops with ConsumersU.S. grocery shoppers are embracing healthier cooking oils and

canola oil is the second most widely used cooking oil, according to a 2012 survey. The results fit with the overall trend toward healthier life-styles, which bodes well for canola oil sales. See page 17 for more.

Regional UpdatesThe Northern Canola Growers Association reports a record high

of state canola acres planted in 2012. To support growers, it launched weekly radio spots in the region, covering key topics from crop condi-tions to canola research. Upcoming meetings and additional media out-reach are detailed on pages 10-11.

There’s no place like Kansas for canola, says the Great Plains Canola Association, where acres planted increased 59 percent from 2011 to 2012. The association is helping manage one of two projects at Kansas State University to educate producers on new risk management tools for winter canola. University breeding efforts and more are discussed on page 23.

Sweet EndingsAnd now how about a nice slice of pie? Canola oil in place of butter

and lard results in a healthier, delicate pie crust, as you will discover on page 26. Pumpkin-apple filling (yes, we’re drooling, too) with a canola margarine topping is seasonal and festive – a great fit for the holidays ahead. Enjoy the season!

executive editor [email protected]

managing editor [email protected]

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usca update

the 2008 fArM BiLL governing many of our nation’s farm policies expired on Sept. 30, but the 2012 Farm Bill needed to replace it is still bottled up in Congress. Both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees passed their versions of the new farm bill, however the full House never voted on it. While expi-ration of the farm bill has little or no eff ect on some important programs, it terminated other signifi cant programs, dealing a severe blow to many farmers and ranchers, as well as ongoing market development and conservation eff orts. Following is a summary of these impacts.

Programs Expired Under 2008 Farm Bill

Dairy producers will face considerable challenges without the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program. Th e now-expired program compensated dairy producers when domestic milk prices fell below a specified level. Without a new farm bill, dairy farmers are left with uncertainty and inadequate assis-tance. While milk prices remain high enough to avoid the need for the price support pro-gram, there is no other safety net to help battle the highest feed costs on record.

Many farmers, ranchers and agribusi-ness or agricultural processors benefit from the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), which exhausted its funding in October. FMD is a cost-sharing trade promo-tion partnership between U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. agricul-tural producers and processors. Th e program pools technical and financial resources to conduct overseas market development. FMD helps maintain and increase market share by addressing long-term foreign market import constraints and by identifying new markets or new uses for the agricultural commodity or product in the foreign market. Funding for trade promotion, as well as specifi c funding for personnel to run the program at USDA, ran out at the end of October. Agricultural exports, which comprise 31 percent of gross U.S. farm income, make a positive contri-bution to the nation’s trade balance. FMD’s trade promotion is an important safety net for U.S. producers. Once the program is rendered inoperable, other countries will certainly take advantage of the opportunity to steal U.S. market share – and, as everyone knows, the hardest market to get is the one lost.

About 6.5 million acres rotates out of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) this year. While current contracts are pro-tected, no new produc-ers can sign up for the CRP or Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Both of these programs are voluntary land retirement pro-grams that help agri-cultural producers pro-tect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife

habitat, and safeguard ground and surface water. In addition, producers will not be able to sign up for the Wetlands Reserve Program or Grasslands Reserve Program.

Both the Senate and House versions of the new farm bill contain funding to address the expected disaster facing the livestock indus-try due to the summer’s drought, however, the only programs currently available are for lack of forage as well as death of animals.

Most producers of fruits and vegetables do not have a safety net, but instead receive fund-ing to augment the competitiveness of spe-cialty crops through programs that enhance trade, promote cutting-edge research and implement on-the-ground projects to pro-tect crops from disease and invasive species. Funding for these programs ended when the farm bill expired.

Numerous other programs, including ini-tiatives on energy, agricultural research, rural development and funding for new farmers, could be added to this list. Th e bottom line is that while expiration of the farm bill causes little or no pain to some, others face signifi -cant challenges.

Some Farm Programs Spared Almost 80 percent of the farm bill’s cost is for

nutrition programs, primarily the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. Most recipients of nutrition program benefi ts will not be aff ected because the SNAP program did not need to be extended. Funds for nutrition assistance pro-grams will continue.

Farmers and ranchers who manage their risks using the farm bill’s crop insurance pro-visions will be unaff ected because, like SNAP, those programs don’t expire. Nor do some of the conservation-related programs. In addi-tion, most commodity-specifi c programs are largely covered by the 2008 Farm Bill since it applies to the 2012 crop year, rather than the 2012 fi scal year.

expiring farm Bill Cuts off Programs

DalE THoREnson


the 2012 Farm Bill is still bottled up in Congress, cutting off oxygen to key programs such as those related to market development and conservation.

UsdA distributes Canola research funds

Farm Bill

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The main challenge, however, will be in planning for 2013. This includes lining up the critical financial assistance needed from lending institutions which prefer, if not demand, to see business plans presented in black and white. That will be difficult when producers don’t know when to expect a new farm bill – or what type of financial safety net is likely to be included in that bill.

Congress will return in mid-November for a lame-duck session prior to final adjournment in December. The U.S. Canola Association will work to have the farm bill as the first order of business for the House of Representatives. The association also urges its members to seek out their House representatives between now and the elections to remind them of the consequences of not having a new bill in place prior to adjournment at the end of the year.

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Canola research funds disbursedthe UsdA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced Oct.1 the distri-bution of regional grants totaling $793,257 for the FY2012 National Canola Research Program (NCRP). These lead institutions received funding: North Dakota State University, $210,000; Kansas State University, $210,000; Oklahoma State University, $209,491; and University of Idaho, $163,766. The NCRP funding is authorized by the Supplemental and Alternative Crops Competitive Grants Program on an annual basis through the appropriation process. While Congress has yet to pass a final FY2013 agriculture appropriations bill, the federal government is operating on a continuing resolution through March 27, 2013, and finishing the FY2013 appro-priations process will be one of the many items awaiting action when the 113th Congress con-venes in January. While operating under the six-month continuing resolution, NIFA is expected to make preliminary preparations for the 2013 NCRP Request for Applications thanks to fund-ing by the Senate in its version of the FY2013 appropriations bill.

DalE THoREnson Is assIsTanT DIREcToR oF THE u.s. canola assocIaTIon InwasHInGTon, D.c.


elections and Lame-duck session Limit options for farm Bill

JoHn GoRDlEy

Congress Left wAshington in September after passing a resolution to con-tinue funding the federal government at fiscal year 2012 levels through next March. Despite advocacy efforts by Farm Bill Now, a coali-tion of more than 90 farm organizations, House leadership refused to vote on the House Agriculture Committee’s proposed version of the 2012 Farm Bill. This article looks at the possible impacts of the Nov. 6 elections and the ensuing lame-duck session of Congress in November and December, including the so-called “fiscal cliff,” on prospects for either completing a new farm bill or extending the 2008 Farm Bill into 2013.

In addition to making no progress on a new farm bill, Congress departed without extending authorities under the 2008 Farm Bill or acting on disaster assistance. Due to differences over funding for food stamps

(also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) and com-modity programs (particularly direct pay-ments), an extension would have been nearly as difficult to pass as reconciling differences

between the House and Senate bills. Senate Agriculture Committee leaders resisted tak-ing up the disaster measure passed by the House before the August recess, arguing that it isn’t broad enough and that more compre-hensive coverage is included and paid for in both farm bills.

Impact of Elections on Lame-Duck Session

With Congress now out of session until Nov. 13, what is the outlook for this fall’s elec-tions and their impact on legislative action during the lame-duck session? Currently, political observers speculate that Republicans will maintain control of the House, while the Senate is rated a toss-up between the two par-ties. Regardless of which party is in charge, however, neither is likely to have the 60 votes needed to shut down filibusters on controver-

sial legislation. The gridlock that has characterized the 112th Congress can be expected to con-tinue in the 113th.

The outcome of the presidential election could be more consequential. If President Barack Obama wins, the political equation will be similar to what we’ve had for the last two years. All concerned will need to accept the situation and try to find consensus on key issues, pos-

sibly including the farm bill, starting in the lame-duck session. If Gov. Mitt Romney wins, Republicans may decide to defer some of these decisions until his administration takes office in January.

Looming Fiscal CliffThe “fiscal cliff” includes expiration of the

Bush-era tax cuts, including a reset of estate taxes to 2001 levels, the need to increase the national debt ceiling when the current limit is reached in late December and, starting in January, sequestration of $1.2 trillion in defense and non-defense spending required by last year’s debt increase agreement. Regardless of the post-Nov. 6 political situation, a deci-sion to extend the Bush-era tax cuts will con-tinue to be hamstrung over whether the tax cuts also should be extended for the top 2 percent of earners. Defense and non-defense advocates are sounding alarms about the mas-sive layoffs and program cuts that would be required if sequestration is allowed to go into effect. There is no assurance that agreement on these issues can be reached in addition to or as part of a debt limit increase.

Lame-Duck Action on Farm Bill?What does all of this mean for efforts to

complete the 2012 farm bill before the 112th Congress adjourns in late December? If they don’t finish, all of the work on the bill will be lost and the new Congress will need to start from scratch. Neither a re-elected President Obama nor a President-Elect Romney will want to find this task on their to-do list for next year. The situation suggests that there’s still hope to resolve differences over SNAP and commod-ity programs within the context of bigger items that need to be addressed during the lame-duck session. However, there are concerns among agriculture supporters that Congress may be looking for greater savings from farm programs, potentially including crop insurance, as offsets to pay for reduced cuts in discretionary pro-gram spending. This could unbalance the care-fully crafted compromises reflected in both the Senate and House farm bills and collapse efforts to complete a new bill.

The alternative would be a three-month or one-year extension of the 2008 Farm Bill, which some agriculture committee leaders

usca update

the gridlock that has characterized the 112th Congress is expected to continue in the 113th.

new Legislation hangs on fiscal Cliff

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Working Together for the Future

have already stated is a foregone conclusion. Most farm groups have opposed this approach since it would only extend current uncertainty among farmers and ranchers over the safety net provided by farm programs. Th e level of funding for a new bill would also be subject to revision by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in February. Crop prices in 2012 will likely result in the CBO raising cost estimates for important programs in both the Senate and House bills, includ-ing coverage for revenue loss. Increased pro-jected participation in the Supplemental Coverage Option insurance program would also increase costs. Further complicating this issue is whether the outgoing Congress decides to reverse the administration’s recent decision to exempt crop insurance from sequestration cuts. Th is decision reduced pro-spective spending cuts in overall farm pro-grams by half from $16 billion to $8 billion.

Message to CongressFarmers should continue to call on cur-

rent members of Congress to fi nish the 2012 Farm Bill when they return to Washington in November. While work on some past farm bills has extended from Congressional ses-sion to session, no Congress has ever failed to complete farm legislation before fi nal adjourn-ment, requiring legislators to start from scratch again in a new Congress. With the far-reaching consequences of this summer’s drought and the outlook for next year’s crops unknown, this would be the worst possible time for Congress to fail to meet its responsi-bilities. We need a new farm bill now!

JoHn GoRDlEy Is ExEcuTIVE DIREcToR oF THE u.s. canola assocIaTIon In wasHInGTon, D.c.

The “fiscal cliff” includes expiration of the Bush-era tax cuts, including a reset of estate taxes to 2001 levels, the need to increase the national debt ceiling when the current limit is reached in late December and, starting in January, sequestration of $1.2 trillion in defense and non-defense spending required by last year’s debt increase agreement.


regional news

CAnoLA growers, reseArChers and industry profes-sionals will meet to discuss regional research projects at the Northern Canola Growers Association (NCGA) 6th annual research confer-ence on Nov. 8. Th e meeting in Fargo, N.D., will focus on fi ndings from recent canola research projects and gather feedback from grower representatives on charting new areas for research. About 50 grow-ers, members of the research community and industry personnel are expected to attend.

Next Canola Day in Early 2013 Th e NCGA will hold its 16th annual Canola Day in Langdon, N.D.,

on Feb 6. Th e keynote speaker will be John Baize of John C. Baize and Associates, an international agricultural trade and policy consulting fi rm specializing in the oilseeds sector. Baize will highlight major mar-ket factors expected to infl uence the oilseeds market in 2013-14. In addition, North Dakota State University researchers will share the lat-est canola production results and the NCGA will hold its annual mem-bership meeting.

2012 Canola Growing SeasonTh is year’s North Dakota canola yields averaged approximately 1,300-

1,450 pounds per acre, with extremes as high as 2,300 pounds per acre and as low as 1,000 pounds per acre in areas aff ected by 2012’s high tem-peratures, according to reports submitted to the NCGA. Overall yields for the region are expected to average about 1,400 pounds, down from last year. While canola crop conditions were strong at the end of June

– with 93 percent of the crop rated good to excellent – near record heat in July severely lim-ited yields. Th e growing season fi nished with 41 percent of the region’s crop rated in the good to excellent categories, down from 72 percent at the end of the 2011 growing season. Area

crops also suff ered from an unusual amount of aster yellows that, com-bined with the heat, dealt a blow to Canada’s canola crop as well.

Canola research and Marketing regional Priorities

BaRRy colEman anD sHERI colEman, B.s.n., R.n.

north Dakota canola yeilds averaged1,300-1,450 pounds per acre for 2012.

nCgA Broadcasts Canola oil Messages to Media

stAtewide rAdio CAMPAign edUCAtes growersthe nCgA Joined forces with red river farm network to share canola news through weekly radio spots. the 60-second updates, which started June 1, cover a variety of topics relevant to growers such as research, crop conditions, policy activities and mar-

keting efforts throughout north dakota and the listening region. radio spots repeat on different days and times throughout the week. Coverage will be broad-cast on regional radio stations including kZZY (devils Lake), kndk (Langdon), kZZJ (rugby), kdiX (d ick inson), kndC (hettinger), kBto (Bottineau) and kCJB (Minot).


nCgA tArgets newsPAPers nAtionwide

the nCgA is spreading the word on canola oil’s cooking versatility and health benefits with the help of the north American

Precis syndicate (nAPs), a national public news distribution service with access to thousands of small market newspapers and radio stations. By developing stories that tap into today’s culinary trends such as com-fort food, eating local and meatless meals, the nCgA hopes to appeal to nAPs’s U.s. consumer audience and boost interest in canola oil.

BaRRy colEman Is ExEcuTIVE DIREcToR oF THE noRTHERn canola GRowERs assocIaTIon In BIsmaRcK, n.D. sHERI colEman, B.s.n., R.n., Is assocIaTE DIREcToR.

kids’ Cooking show to feature north dakota Canola“unclE cHEF,” an award-win-ning kids’ cooking and nutri-tion show, will shine the spot-light on canola oil in three upcoming webisodes filmed in Bismarck, n.D. The ncGa part-nered with show producers to facilitate the shoot in June 2012. The short, online epi-sodes use high-energy enter-tainment to educate young viewers about canola oil’s culi-nary and health advantages.

Canola oil good for kids’ healthTHE ncGa JoInED about 200 leaders from across the school food service, restaurant, food manufacturing and public health sectors at a may 2012 summit hosted by The culinary Institute of america at Greystone in st. Helena, calif., to examine child-hood obesity and diabetes and discuss ways to promote healthier food choices for kids at school. as a program partner of the event, the ncGa shared educational materials with par-ticipants to promote canola oil as a key ingredient in serving up flavorful and appealing healthy foods to students – the goal of the summit’s “Healthy Flavors, Healthy Kids” initiative.

CAnoLA ACres in north dAkotA totaled more than 1.4 million planted acres in 2012, up significantly from last year’s 844,000. the chart below shows the increase in canola acres by county; bolded figures indicate a record high of acres planted for that county.

CA

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Adams 11,494 11,777

Barnes 543 684

Benson 19,432 20,348

Billings 660 1,251

Bottineau 37,548 84,024

Bowman 3,469 8,544

Burke 23,818 57,779

Burleigh 10,169 13,557

Cass 7 12

Cavalier 192,549 324,600

dickey - -

divide 2,517 16,706

dunn 4,827 5,807

eddy 2,300 2,708

emmons 898 797

foster 3,406 2,537

golden Valley 380 2,411

grand forks 3,766 4,621

grant 3,138 6,285

griggs 1,755 899

hettinger 54,925 66,765

kidder 2,375 3,052

LaMoure - -

Logan 708 302

Mchenry 20,587 42,840

Mcintosh 1,210 -

COUNTY 2011 2012

Mckenzie 4,231 9,388

McLean 55,062 90,542

Mercer 10,077 15,465

Morton 2,867 4,531

Mountrail 47,582 58,315

nelson 19,668 26,202

oliver 3,384 5,152

Pembina 5,374 12,600

Pierce 27,061 30,199

ramsey 57,486 56,435

ransom - -

renville 8,612 70,296

richland - -

rolette 37,080 73,294

sargent - -

sheridan 11,282 18,804

sioux - 294

slope 5,617 12,341

stark 8,277 10,784

steele 539 1,367

stutsman 1,643 2,985

towner 72,265 109,136

traill - 111

walsh 17,703 25,311

ward 35,917 94,439

wells 4,360 6,988

williams 6,832 14,813

Precis syndicate (nAPs), a national public news distribution service with


the nCgA isversatility and health benefits with the help of the north American

of america at Greystone in st. Helena, calif., to examine child-hood obesity and diabetes and discuss ways to promote healthier food choices for kids at school. as a program partner of the event, the ncGa shared educational materials with par-ticipants to promote canola oil as a key ingredient in serving up


the nCgA isversatility and health benefits with the help of the north American

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Close to CommercializationCanadian company BioExx, which produces

canola protein isolates Vitalexx™ and Isolexx®, is poised to seize a sizable share of this market opportunity. Both proteins earned Generally

Recognized As Safe (GRAS) notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration this year. Its Saskatoon plant is up and running, currently producing canola protein on a small commercial scale – about one metric ton a week – to satisfy orders for client evaluation. Production remains small in advance of the company’s plans to scale up the plant in 2013 to process 40,000 metric tons of seed, yielding about 6,000 metric tons of product annually by 2014, according to Samah Garringer, BioExx executive vice president.

“I expect to see canola protein in the mar-ketplace in large volumes by 2014,” Garringer said. “The key is having a nutritionally com-plete and functional protein and our canola protein is one of the most functional vegetable proteins available. We are very excited about the wide variety of applications.”

Under a deal struck in 2011, Wisconsin-based Century Foods plans to use Isolexx in a range of sports products, such as weight-loss aids, pow-dered protein supplements, meal replacements and custom formulations. BioExx is also report-edly working with more than a dozen major food companies to develop protein-fortified products. Though Garringer declined to spec-ify the players involved due to confidentiality, initial applications will likely include fortified cereals, and protein and snack bars.

Building Competition Canadian rival Burcon NutraScience

has also developed two canola protein iso-lates, Puratein® (primarily an emulsifier and binder) and Supertein™ (a soluble form for beverages), both earning GRAS sta-tus in 2010, but the company suffered a setback when its agreement with ADM to

foodmakers hungry for Canola ProteinCommercial Products to hit grocery stores in 2014

alIson nEumER laRa

From a dietary standpoint, food scientists note that canola protein is attractive to food manufacturers (and ultimately, consumers) because it’s nearly odorless and tasteless, sidesteps the allergenic issues associated with dairy and soy, and contains no saturated fat or cholesterol.

Martin Schweizer, vice president of technical development at Burcon, nutraScience, “toasts” to canola protein’s solubility and clarity in beverages.


commercialize the canola products ended in March 2012. (ADM continues to work with Burcon on its soy protein isolate.)

Meanwhile, as Burcon looks for new pro-duction partners, the company is also plan-ning to expand its facility to produce its other protein products, which would allow the company to make larger quantities of canola protein as well, said Martin Schweizer, vice president of technical development.

“Our process is ready to go, though we can always continue to make improvements. We’re not just looking at one source of protein. We’re constantly learning from all our other products and materials, and then applying that knowledge in our canola process.

“We are still very excited about the potential for canola protein because it has such unique characteristics for human nutrition,” he added, stressing canola protein’s high functionality. “Not all proteins are like that.”

Nutritional and Functional Benefits

Indeed, canola protein’s unique properties make it especially valuable, explained Curtis Rempel, crop production vice president at the Canola Council of Canada and adjunct professor of food science at the University of Manitoba.

“Canola protein isolates can be highly digestible and highly bioavailable,” he said, meaning that the body makes efficient use of the nutrient once it is circulating in the body. For adults and children older than 10, canola protein may be as good as whey (milk-derived protein) at building muscle and offers a higher rate of efficiency in the body than other vegetable proteins.

From a dietary standpoint, food scien-tists note that canola protein is attractive to food manufacturers (and ultimately, consum-ers) because it’s nearly odorless and tasteless, sidesteps the allergenic issues associated with dairy and soy, and contains no saturated fat or cholesterol.

Canola protein’s functional properties allow for foaming or aerating foods (such as a replacement for egg whites), extending meat products (fat replacement for sausage) and complete water solubility, producing clear solutions for beverages.

Rempel also cited current research on canola protein that demonstrates its potential as a nutraceutical or therapeutic product with possible medical benefits. Studies show that canola protein’s strong antioxidant capacity may inhibit cancer cell growth and its ability

to sequester bile acids may lower cholesterol. Some isolates also may lower hypertension.

Still, dietary supplements and medical products are probably not “the big market win,” Rempel said.

“You can demonstrate a lot of health ben-efits, but if you can’t get [canola protein] into appealing food products, if it’s limited to cap-sules and pills, there’s a limited audience.”

And that would be a big loss for canola pro-tein, which is competing with other vegetable proteins to address a pressing market demand for non-animal, sustainable and cost-effective protein sources.

DuPont, which manufactures soy proteins, claims that world protein production must rise 74 percent to meet a 34 percent increase in world population by 2050. While ani-mal protein still accounts for the bulk of the global protein ingredients market – estimated at close to $20 billion – plant proteins are the faster growing segment, according to Global Industry Analysts.

Soy protein is the current leader in this sec-tor, but industry players say canola protein could compete favorably.

“The market for all plant proteins will con-tinue to grow rapidly and [canola protein] is well positioned to participate in that growing market,” Schweizer said.

The future for canola protein looks bright, Garringer agreed. “Canola is the second larg-est oilseed crop and we are definitely adding value to the meal.”

alIson nEumER laRa Is manaGInG EDIToR oF U.S. CANOLA DIGEST.

Canola protein can fortify a variety of foods, including baked goods.

canola protein’s functional properties allow for foaming or aerating foods (such as a replacement for egg whites), extending meat products (fat replacement for sausage) and complete water solubility, producing clear solutions for beverages.

Bioexx’s protein isolates (including isolexx, pictured here) received gRaS status in 2012 and are expected to be used in commercial products in 2014.

the U.S. Food and Drug administration granted Burcon’s canola protein isolates gRaS (generally Recognized as Safe) status in 2010.

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84%

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50%

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3% 1% 3%

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U.s. ConsUMers Are more health-conscious today when it comes to cooking oils and cooking methods, according to a March 2012 survey by Cogent Research. Americans indicated an increased preference for healthy cooking oils and canola oil as one of their top choices, compared to a 2008 survey.

Th e survey of primary U.S. grocery shop-pers who used cooking oil within the past six months, commissioned by the Canola Council of Canada, showed that consumers’ awareness and use of canola oil has remained high since 2008. It also indicated that canola oil is the sec-ond most widely used cooking oil and consum-ers desire healthier recipes.

Marketplace Perception The survey pointed out that consumers’

healthful perception of canola oil has signifi -cantly increased since 2008. It now occupies a space closer to olive oil and is clearly diff er-entiated from the other types of cooking oils included in the poll that are perceived as less healthy, including vegetable, sunfl ower, peanut, sesame, coconut, soybean and grapeseed oils. Th e increase in canola oil’s healthy perception from 2008 to 2012 was considerably higher

than for olive oil over the same period. Across the entire sample polled this

year, perceptions of cooking oils generally diminished compared to 2008, especially for vegetable, sunfl ower, peanut, sesame and soy-bean oils. Consumers are also now more likely to purchase a product made with canola oil ver-sus one made with another type of cooking oil.

Cooking Oil UsageTh ere has been a decrease in the number of

Americans using cooking oil at large. In 2008, 85 percent reported using cooking oil. In 2012, that number decreased to 78 percent. Th ose who have used cooking oil in the past six months are typically using it about three times per week.

Canola oil purchase and usage is fairly equally distributed across geographic regions, including the Northeast, South, Midwest and West. However, canola oil is most fre-quently used among more than one-third of consumers in the South and Midwest regions. Northeasterners are frequent users of olive oil and are the least likely to use canola oil.

When consumers were asked how they have used cooking oil, 84 percent said they used it for sautéing and 65 percent claimed to use it for

pan-frying. Th e shift in cooking trends, from deep- and pan-frying to sautéing and salad dressings, is a perfect match for canola oil’s ver-satility and heart-healthy qualities.

Th ere is also a signifi cant shift in the type of recipes consumers want to prepare. Americans are making more low-fat and low-calorie meals that use fresh ingredients, while “quick and easy” meals that use packaged ingredients seem to be decreasing. Th ose who have recently used canola oil are more often preparing gourmet and low-fat meals compared to infrequent users.

Other InfluencesThe survey noted that American Heart

Association and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorsements carry less weight in cooking oil purchasing decisions for consumers than they did four years ago. However, canola oil’s qualified health claim authorized by the FDA, which associates the product with reduced risk of heart disease, still signifi cantly increases consumers’ likelihood of purchasing (87 percent) and paying more for (67 percent) canola oil and products made with it.

Overall, there is a signifi cant trend among U.S. consumers toward healthier lifestyle

healthy eating trends drive Canola oil in U.s. Marketplace Americans Choosing healthier Cooking oils and Methods

BREnT connETT

CooKing oil USe oCCaSionS

Base: 1096 U.S. adults who are responsible for at least half of the household grocery shopping, have used cooking oil in the last 6 months and have ever used canola oil. Source: Cogent Research, March 2012.

Saute Pan-fry Bake Salad Dressing Marinate/Baste Bread Dip Deep-fry other

Cooking oil use in last 3 months

Cooking oil use: most often (2012)

Cooking oil use: most often (2008)

\ significant change 2008 to 2012

ContinUed on PAge 21 ❱


YoU woULdn’t think canola and mari-juana would have much in common, but in Oregon they do: They are the only two crops that farmers are banned from growing in the Willamette Valley. The reasons to ban growing marijuana are obvious, but the ban on growing canola is pretty questionable. The effort to enact the ban and keep it in place has been driven primarily by the vegetable seed industry, with recent help from organic growers and environ-mentalists. The problem is there are many farm-ers, such as myself, that want to grow canola here and we have been pushing for a change in the rules to allow just that.

I help manage and operate two family farms – one with my father near Rickreall, Ore., and one with my husband near Silverton, Ore. Both farms are diversified operations, produc-ing grass seed, grains, forage crops and spe-cialty crops, including meadowfoam and tur-nips. We used to rely heavily on field burning on both farms to help manage weed, disease and pest issues, but due to political pressures, we have all but lost burning as a management tool. That factor has made crop rotations a crit-ical management component, but many farm-ers, especially those without irrigation, have often lacked a rotational crop that is profitable.

Enter canola. It is a perfect rotation crop for Willamette Valley dryland farmers for many reasons. First, most farmers who lack irrigation are raising grass seeds and grain so a broadleaf crop rotation allows an entirely different chemical regime to combat prob-lem weeds and diseases in addition to utiliz-ing different nutrients from the soil. Second, the climate here is perfect for canola produc-tion. When we plant canola in the early fall, it establishes easily and receives all of the nec-essary moisture during the winter months to produce significant yields.

We grew canola in 2008 and 2009 as part of a research study by Oregon State University and the four different fields averaged 3,500 lbs/acre, with the highest being almost 4,300 lbs/acre. You can imagine the returns per acre that are possible with those kinds of yields! And the canola market is essentially unlimited for both food and biofuel markets and also serves as a feed by-product for local dairies. Many of the other rotational crops we produce have relatively small markets with limited contracts available or they are easily over-produced, driving down prices quickly. Third, we already own all of the

equipment necessary to grow and harvest canola, so no additional investment is required. Lastly, there are other agronomic benefits, including providing an ideal soil structure for no-tilling after harvesting the canola seed.

Canola: From Grand to BannedThe Willamette Valley is a very diverse

growing area with over 225 different crops, including nursery crops, many species of grass seed, grains, fruits, berries, hazelnuts, vegeta-ble crops, Christmas trees, hays, clovers, wine grapes and many specialty crops. The conflict with canola arises with many of the specialty crops, particularly the vegetable seed and organic produce industries.

Historically, canola has been produced in the Willamette Valley. In the 1980s and 90s, sev-eral thousand acres of canola were grown and farmers were happy with the crop, but it had to be shipped to California for processing at the time and the economics did not pencil out. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) was given legislative authority to create and main-tain rapeseed control districts in 1989 and the Valley was established as a district that would produce canola versus industrial rapeseed.

However, in 2005, the Willamette Valley Specialty Seed Association led an effort that

KaTHy FREEBoRn HaDlEy

In 2005 ... canola was banned completely due to the growing vegetable seed industry’s concern that canola would outcross to other members of the Brassica genus, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

farmers fight for right to grow Crop Amongst other Brassica species

stop Ban on Canola in willamette Valley, oregon

willamette Valley, ore.

editorial


entirely changed the intent of the district. Using the ODA’s authority to regulate crops, canola was banned completely due to the growing vegetable seed industry’s concern that canola would outcross to other members of the Brassica genus, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Moreover, given that 90 percent of U.S. canola varieties are genetically modified for herbicide tolerance, the organic industry had concerns about bio-tech seed co-mingling with organic crops.

At the time, few growers even heard about the new ban, much less participated in the process, because the economics of canola were such that it could not compete for acres and the only canola being grown was for seed stock. As the biofuel industries developed, however, canola came back onto the radar for many growers. A rule review in 2009 ended in a stalemate, even with research from Oregon State University showing many benefits of canola production and no deleterious effects to the vegetable seed industry if appropriately managed. But the ODA was not willing to act unless there was consensus within the agricul-tural sector. As market prices have increased in

the last several years, there is increased demand from many growers to produce canola, which can now easily net more than many of the other commonly grown crops in the area.

Issue IntensifiesThe ODA planned an administrative rule

review in 2012 and initially it appeared there would be no consensus among agricultural stakeholders to change the rule. At the May state board of agriculture meeting, however, there was a unanimous vote for the ODA to take an active role in changing the rules to cre-ate more balance between competing indus-tries. That led to a smaller working group help-ing draft a proposed rule that would allow canola production in limited areas of the Valley when abiding by certain management stipula-tions. The ODA filed the rule as a temporary one to enact it quickly, so growers would have time to plant canola this fall. Simultaneously, it filed a permanent rule that would go through the standard public comment process.

Several entities, including two vegetable seed growers, an organic farmer, an environmental-ist group and the Center for Food Safety, filed for an injunction against the temporary rule in the Oregon Court of Appeals in August. A stay was granted, primarily on procedural errors on the ODA’s part, eliminating the possibility for fall planting this year. We are now in the comment period for the permanent rule.

Some of the comments made against canola production are hard to digest, including that it will put world food production in jeop-ardy by impacting the vegetable seed industry. Ironically, the environmental and organic com-munities in the Valley are supporting a contin-ued ban when they typically represent the peo-ple more concerned with healthy eating habits, who would use canola oil. There have also been suggestions of adding an acreage cap for canola in the Valley, with minimum or maximum field sizes, and having mandatory control practices because canola is viewed by many as a potential weed. The ODA has stated its intent to have a permanent rule in place by mid-January 2013, so hopefully, those wishing to grow canola will have more answers by then.

Farmer RightsOne of the biggest struggles we’ve had in

advocating for canola production here is that would-be canola growers are limited in num-bers and have been relatively unorganized com-pared to the vegetable seed and organic indus-tries and the environmental community – all of

which have methods in place for quick and easy communication among their respective mem-bers. There have been many e-mails circulated about the perceived threats of canola produc-tion in the Willamette Valley, including a lot of misinformation. So we are not only advo-cating for canola production, but also battling a campaign of misinformation. Therefore, our group of growers and a local processor formed the Willamette Valley Oilseed Producers Association (WVOPA, www.wvopa.org) this year to help organize growers and provide accurate information about canola to the pub-lic. Recently, we adopted by-laws and elected a board of directors. We look forward to working with the U.S. Canola Association in the future.

This conflict over canola has been incredibly frustrating for us growers here in the Willamette Valley that just want the right to grow whatever crops we choose. Canola has been unfairly sin-gled out and demonized, but the facts are in our favor, so we are hopeful that we will secure the right to produce it here.

KaTHy FREEBoRn HaDlEy Is sEcRETaRy/TREasuRER oF THE wIllamETTE VallEy oIlsEED PRoDucERs assocIaTIonanD ownER/oPERaToR oF FREEBoRn anD HaDlEy FaRms In RIcKREall anDsIlVERTon, oRE. FoR moRE InFoRma-TIon aBouT THE oREGon DEPaRTmEnToF aGRIculTuRE’s RulInG, Go To www.oREGon.GoV/oDa/PaGEs/canola.asPx.

as market prices have increased in the last several years, there is increased demand from many growers to produce canola, which can now easily net more than many of the other commonly grown crops in the area.


Pacific northwest fuelsCanola Biodiesel Production

BRITTany FaRB

regional Canola Acreage grows as Biofuel demand increases

Zero ChoLesteroL, low saturated fat, light texture, neutral taste, high spoke point and good source of omega-3 fat and vita-min E. While these are all known benefits of canola oil, there is more to this healthy, versa-tile cooking oil: it’s also good for the engine.

Agriculturally speaking, canola seed is comprised of an average of 45 percent oil, more than double that of soybeans. As a result, biodiesel producers are increasingly learning there is greater efficiency from canola compared to other oilseeds.

In turn, demand for both food and fuel use, canola production is increasing in the U.S. and Canada. The Pacific Northwest in particular is poised for acreage expansion as the benefits of canola biodiesel are realized by the region’s bio-fuel manufacturers and canola growers.

Better PerformanceWith just 7 percent saturated fat, health pro-

fessionals have touted canola oil as a healthy

choice for cooking. However, low saturated fat content also translates well for fuel stabil-ity. According to research conducted at Purdue University, a comparison of the most common sources of oil and fat in the U.S. indicates that the cold flow properties of canola biodiesel are “substantially better” than grease, lard or tallow.

“[Canola biodiesel] won’t gel up on you at low temperatures,” explained Joel Edmonds, general manager of Inland Empire Oilseeds in Odessa, Wash. “There is a low chance of it hardening, which is a big draw to users.”

Canola oil’s cloud point, the temperature in which dissolved solids are no longer com-pletely soluble, is quite low at -3 ˚C, com-pared to soybean oil and edible tallow at 3 ˚C and 19 ˚C, respectively. Edmonds adds that canola’s reduced iodine values improve its oxidative stability, making it a very durable choice for biodiesel.

“There are many benefits,” added Joel Horn, president of Pacific Coast Canola.

“It may be the best feedstock for biodiesel in particular because, compared to other types of biodiesel, it has a lower gel point, which means it performs better than other feedstocks in colder conditions.”

Environmental BenefitsAfter former California Governor Arnold

Schwarzenegger issued an executive order in 2007 requiring the reduction of at least 10 per-cent of carbon intensity of the state’s fuels by 2020, known as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, the California Air Resources Board released a report showing canola biodiesel results in 66 percent lower emissions than petroleum diesel.

“This is a good starting point for canola bio-diesel,” said Shelby Neal, director of state gov-ernmental affairs for the National Biodiesel Board, after the report’s release. “The bot-tom line is that this analysis paves the way for canola biodiesel to be a viable compliance option for regulated parties in California.”

Choosing biodiesel can also improve air quality. According to the Canola Council of Canada, biodiesel has been shown to sig-nificantly reduce emissions of sulfur diox-ide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. These reductions may lower health risks asso-ciated with air pollutants in diesel exhaust by improving overall air quality.

A study conducted by the University of British Columbia showed that canola biodiesel releases much lower levels of NOx, an ozone-destroying combination of nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide. In addition, canola biodiesel has been shown to biodegrade five times faster than petroleum diesel. Although the study showed that canola biodiesel emitted similar levels of carbon dioxide, growing canola helps to sequester carbon in the soil.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted a lifecycle analysis on canola to determine its eligibility for the extended national Renewable Fuel Standard and found

Canola area Harvested, Yield and Production in States and nationwide: 2011 and Forecasted oct. 1, 2012

StateArea harvested Yield per acre Production

2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012

1,000 acres pounds 1,000 pounds

idaho 18.5 37.0 2,100 2,300 38,850 85,100

Minnesota 28.0 30.0 1,400 1,400 39,200 42,000

Montana 30.5 48.0 1,370 850 41,785 40,800

north dakota 850.0 1,450.0 1,500 1,420 1,275,000 2,059,000

oklahoma 85.0 130.0 1,000 1,400 85,000 182,000

oregon 4.9 6.5 3,050 2,100 14,945 13,650

washington 10.2 14.5 1,900 1,800 19,380 26,100

other states 1 15.9 21.6 1,500 1,639 23,850 35,400

United states 1,043.0 1,737.6 1,475 1,430 1,538,010 2,484,0501 Other States include Colorado and Kansas.Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture


that canola biodiesel reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent. As a result, canola quali-fied as an “advanced biofuel,” defined as a high-energy liq-uid transportation fuel derived from low nutrient input/high per acre yield crops, agricultural or forestry waste or other sustainable biomass feedstocks.

According to the U.S. Canola Association, “canola biodiesel is a useful option because nothing goes to waste.” Leftover glycerin from canola oil can be used in cosmetic products such as skin creams and soap. In addition, crushed seeds provide a great source of protein for animal feed.

Region Reaps Benefits of CanolaSimilar to the increasing popularity of canola

in the region, the Pacific Northwest is catching on to the canola biodiesel trend. Pacific Coast Canola plans a January 2013 opening of its plant in Warden, Wash., capable of processing 400,000 tons of canola seed per year.

“The biodiesel industry in the Pacific Northwest has had its growing pains, but I

am optimistic about it s future,” Horn said. “Pacific Coast Canola has had what we think is a key role in helping develop a robust renewable fuels industr y in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.”

E d mond s s a id Inland Empire Oilseeds has also experienced positive growth in response to increased canola demand in the region. In fact, the bio-diesel plant restarted production in 2011 after closing for almost a year. Since then, an addi-tional oil crushing plant adjacent to the origi-nal Odessa location has opened.

“There are a lot of acres up here that can grow some good canola,” Edmonds noted. “The guys that put it in rotation really like it.”

Horn and Edmonds said that canola rotates especially well with wheat and can increase wheat yields.

Curtis Hennings, a Ritzville, Wash.-based grower who started growing canola in the early 1980s as a rotational crop, now considers it a main focus on his farm. He also uses canola biodiesel to fuel his most of his farm equipment.

“Diesel fumes from the pick-ups used to make my wife nauseous, but the biodiesel fumes don’t bother her,” said Hennings, who now grows about 450 to 500 acres of canola a year. “I go out of my way to use it.”

Increasing DemandSoybean oil remains the most common U.S.

feedstock for biodiesel, but interest in canola oil as a feedstock may continue to increase as the price premium between canola and soy-bean oils is reduced. The more market chan-nels, the better for farmers. And the more con-sumers see biodiesel in the marketplace, the more mainstream it will become.

“As more engine manufacturers approve more [biodiesel] blends, people will become more comfortable with it,” Hennings said. “It’s catching on.”

“Like most emerging industries, it will probably take time for the industry to really find its footing,” added Horn. “But the bi-par-tisan interest in national energy independence, new sources of clean energy, new opportuni-ties for our farmers and new jobs in rural areas that are often economically distressed proba-bly means biodiesel is here to stay.”

BRITTanY FaRB Is a FREElancE wRITER IncHIcaGo, Ill.

attitudes, such as avoiding smoking, belonging to a gym or minimizing stress, compared to those polled in 2008. About 77 percent of canola oil users exercise at least once per week, a significant increase compared to four years ago. They are also more likely to seek advice on cooking and food.

Consumers most often cited family and pri-mary care physicians and dietitians as influ-encers when it comes to nutrition and healthy cooking. Other key sources of information on these topics are newspapers, magazines, gen-eral websites and food television shows. About 8 percent of primary grocery shoppers turn to social media for culinary information, espe-cially to Facebook.

In view of all survey results, the future of canola oil in the U.S. marketplace looks bright. Consumer interest in healthier cooking oils and methods practically allow canola oil to sell itself.

Healthy Eating Trends❰ CONTINUED frOm PAGE 17

much less likely to buy one without claim

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6070 rr market leading yields will blow you away. BrettYoung’s highest yielding hybrid, 6070 RR, is out-yielding the competition – again. In trials conducted by NDSU, Minnesota Canola Council and Agro-Tech in 2010 and 2011, 6070 out-yielded the trial average by 15%1. Be sure to order your 6070 RR early and get its raw yielding power on your farm next year.

In the end, it all comes down to performance and BrettYoung brings a new standard of excellence to the field.

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BrettYoung is a trademark of BrettYoung Seeds Limited. Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Biotechnology Industry Organization. Always read and follow pesticide label directions. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Genuity Design®, Genuity Icons, Genuity®, Roundup Ready®, and Roundup® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. 12031 09.121 Source: North Dakota State University (NDSU), Minnesota Canola Council, and AgroTech small plot trials 2010 and 2011. AgroTech is a private research company with its trials located in Velva, ND.

6070 RR

2 Source: North Dakota State University (NDSU), Minnesota Canola Council, and Agro-Tech small plot trials 2010 and 2011.

120%

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6070 RR

Biodiesel-fueled JeT car


research and education fuel expansion of Canola Acres Ron sHolaR anD mIKE sTamm, m.s.

regional news

kAnsAs fArMers tried growing canola in the 1990s but due to problems with winter survivability and lack of markets, the crop never really caught on in the sunfl ower state. Th at’s now changing with the availability of high yielding, hardy winter varieties and a stable market.

Recent drought conditions in the Great Plains justify the increasing interest in winter crops that use spring and fall soil moisture and largely avoid the heat of summer. For these reasons, winter canola appears to be a top candidate for diversifying cropping systems in Kansas.

According to recent Farm Service Agency data, canola acres in Kansas increased from 11,800 in 2011 to 18,800 in 2012 – a 59 percent increase. Kansas farmers’ interest in canola is at an all-time high and their acceptance of canola as a profi table cash crop may signify the crop is here to stay. At recent canola risk management schools conducted at two sites in Kansas, over 72 percent of participants at each school

viewed canola as a “profi table cash crop.” Over 73 percent of participants at each school responded they would “continue growing canola” or “strongly consider growing canola.” Th e risk management schools have been eff ective because 100 percent of respondents concluded that they learned a skill or practice that increased their understanding of risks associated with canola production and management.

Kansas growers see canola fi tting into their cropping systems and providing many of the same benefi ts that have been identifi ed in other canola-producing states. When asked what they felt are the greatest benefi ts to incorporating winter canola into a cropping system, the participants at the two risk management schools responded with “crop rotation” (27 percent and 40 percent) and “greater farm income” (42 percent and 30 percent).

59%CAnoLA ACres in kAnsAs inCreAsed froM 11,800 in 2011 to 18,800 in 2012.

Breeding for sUCCess

Like other LAnd-grAnt universities in the region, Kansas state university (Ksu) is working to find solutions to production problems that could limit adoption of the crop in the region. The Ksu canola Breeding and Research Program’s number one goal is to develop adapted winter canola varieties for the southern Great Plains.

Researchers are using hybridiza-tion to create new varieties in Ksu green-houses and field testing them in nurser-ies near manhattan, Kan. Intermediate and advanced experimental lines are being tested across the broader Great Plains region in collaboration with researchers at the university of nebraska, colorado state university, new mexico state university, Texas a&m and oklahoma state university. This regional variety development and test-ing program is supported through funding from the u.s. Department of agriculture’s (usDa’s) national Institute of Food and agriculture supplemental and alternative crops competitive Grants Program. Because very few canola breeding pro-grams are located in the southern Great Plains, breeding for widespread adap-tion is an important focus of the regional project. In addition, researchers are test-ing experimental cultivars across the coun-try with potential for release to the public in the national winter canola Variety Trial (nwcVT). The nwcVT is coordinated by the breeding and research program and it includes varieties from all major seed com-panies that have interest in developing a u.s. winter canola industry.

The Ksu breeding program introduces domestic and international germplasm with unique traits into elite germplasm adapted to the region’s climatic conditions. Traits of significant interest to canola grow-ers in the southern Great Plains include winter survival, oil quality, herbicide toler-ance, blackleg resistance, pest resistance and grain yield.

Educating for Successthe kAnsAs stAte UniVersitY canola program is also investing heavily in promot-

ing and educating producers on good farming practices, and new and emerging risk manage-ment tools for winter canola. To accomplish these tasks, two new projects will begin in fall 2012. Th e projects are “Helping Kansas Producers and Ranchers Understand and Use Good Farming Practices for Winter Canola” (sponsored by the USDA’s Risk Management Agency) and “Increasing Extension Activity for Canola on Irrigated Lands in Kansas and Oklahoma” (sponsored by the U.S. Canola Association’s Promote Canola Acres Program and managed through the Great Plains Canola Association). Th e projects enable university personnel to pro-vide “boots on the ground” training and consulting to both new and experienced canola grow-ers through risk management schools, fi eld days and tours, fi eld visits and extension meetings.

An increase in Kansas canola acres is anticipated as growers gain more experience with the crop. Strong research and education programs will be essential in providing answers produc-ers will need to be successful.

Ron sHolaR Is ExEcuTIVE DIREcToR oF THE GREaT PlaIns canola assocIaTIon In sTIllwaTER, oKla. mIKE sTamm, m.s., Is an assIsTanT aGRonomIsT anD canola BREEDER aT Kansas sTaTE unIVERsITy In manHaTTan.


AUgUst MArked the beginning of the Minnesota Canola Production Centre’s (CPC’s) 2012 harvest as CPC Site Agronomist Dave Grafstrom along with Brian and Sheldon Rice started combining plots located northwest of Roseau on Rice Farms. Yields in the area are said to vary based upon overall seasonal moisture.

The 2012 CPC trials addressed a variety and systems comparison, fertility (nitrogen, sulfur and boron application), pre-harvest desicca-tion and straight harvesting, seeding date and production system influence on canola per-formance and a Performance Ready™ hybrids trial. While yield, oil content and other data have not yet been compiled, a full report on the details of the CPC harvest will be available later this year.

Northstar Opens Crush Plant On Aug. 8, Northstar Agri Industries

celebrated the opening of its canola crush plant near Hallock, Minn. As the sun rose that morning, coffee was brewing and pan-cakes were flipping as more than 800 guests traveled from near and far to partake in the celebration.

“We know we made the right choice in building the plant in Kittson County and are looking forward to a long and successful part-nership with the growers in the region,” said Northstar’s President and CEO Neil Juhnke.

Minnesota state and local leaders also spoke to express their support for the plant, including U.S. Congressman Collin Peterson, State Senator LeRoy Stumpf, State

Representative Dan Fabian and Kittson County Commission Chair Joe Bouvette. With the plant operating at full capac-ity just 22 days after beginning operations, Northstar is looking forward to the future growth of the canola industry.

Northstar Agri Industries is a subsidiary of PICO Holdings Inc. Northstar’s products, canola meal and refined canola oil, are mar-keted by Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC under an exclusive product marketing agree-ment. Visit www.NorthstarAgri.com for more information.

Jon DocKTER Is assocIaTE DIREcToRoF THE mInnEsoTa canola councIl In sT. Paul, mInn.

Canola Production Centre and new Crush Plant in full swingJon DocKTER

regional news

Herbicide-Tolerant Canola Top Crop WorldwideanGEla DansBy

PLAnt BioteChnoLogY has been adopted by farmers worldwide at a higher rate than any other agricultural practice in history, accord-ing to a 2011 report from the International service for the acquisition of agri-biotech applications (Isaaa). From 1996 to 2011, farm-ers in 29 countries worldwide planted more than 1.25 billion hectares of biotech crops. of the 16.7 million farmers growing biotech crops in 2011, 15 million were smallholder farmers in developing countries.

while canola was developed by traditional plant breeding in the 1960s, today about 90 percent of canola varieties in the u.s. and canada are genetically modified to be tolerant to select herbicides. (Biotech canola is also grown to a lesser extent in australia

and chile.) using these herbicides has improved crop production and quality. Isaaa reported that:

• In 2011, herbicide-tolerant canola was the fourth most dominant crop globally, occupying 8.2 million hectares or 5 percent of global biotech crops.

• The global area of biotech canola in 2011 increased by 1.2 million hectares or 17 percent from 2010.

• of the 31 million hectares of canola grown worldwide in 2011, 26 percent or 8.2 million hectares were biotech varieties – up from 23 percent or 7 million hectares in 2010. This increase is attributed to the addition of 1.4 million hectares of canola in canada.

• The increase in income benefits for farmers growing biotech canola during the 15-year

period from 1996 to 2010 was $2.7 billion and $500 million for 2010 alone (Brookes and Barfoot, 2012).

a s r e p o r t e d b y the Inst itute of Food Technologists, biotech crops are tested more rigorously than any other plant prod-ucts in the world to ensure that they are as safe as — and have the same nutritional and compositional content as — conventional crops. Biotech food crops have

been cultivated for more than 15 years and con-sumed by billions of people worldwide without a single documented health problem. no bio-tech crops are allowed in the marketplace until they undergo extensive safety assessments, following strict scientific criteria.

anGEla DansBy Is ExEcuTIVE EDIToR oFU.S. CANOLA DIGEST.


quick bytes

capitol hill On Sept. 30, the 2008 Farm Bill governing many of the nation’s farm policies expired and the 2012 farm Bill needed to replace it was still bottled up in Congress. While the Senate and House Agriculture Committees passed versions of the new farm bill, the full House was unable to do so. Expiration of the farm bill ter-minated a number of impor-tant programs and will adversely affect many farmers and ranch-ers, as well as ongoing mar-ket development and conser-vation efforts. The U.S. Canola Association (USCA) was one of 14 agricultural groups to issue a statement about the impact of not having an active farm bill, which may be viewed at www.uscanola.com.

The USCA also submitted com-ments to the Oregon Department of Agriculture in favor of its pro-posed rule to allow limited and controlled canola production in oregon’s Willamette Valley. Although some organic vegetable producers oppose the measure, this acreage would help reduce the national deficit in canola pro-duction, which has never come close to matching demand. In 2012, it’s estimated that the U.S. will import more than 70 percent of its canola oil consumed, and consumption is expected to con-tinue to rise exponentially. The Washington Post noted that the debate in Oregon over canola production pits organic food lov-ers, who typically do not support plant biotechnology (about 90 percent of U.S. canola comes from biotech seed), against biodiesel advocates. The USCA’s comments in favor of the rule may be viewed at www.uscanola.com.

agronomy T h e O k l a h o m a O i l s e e d Commission has agreed to fund $65,000 in canola research at Oklahoma State University with the goal of providing practical results producers can observe. The project will address soil fer-tility, insect and disease control and variety performance in fields across Oklahoma. Canola is one of that state’s most in-demand and viable crops, the commis-sion said. In 2009, producers planted 40,000 acres of canola; 150,000 acres were planted in the fall of 2011 with significantly more expected this year.

Winter canola will be planted on 250,000 acres across the Southern Plains this fall, according to estimates from the Producers Cooperative Oil mill (PCOm) in Oklahoma City, Okla. According to Gene Neuens of PCOm, many seed companies sold out of win-ter canola seed this year. Growers may sell the harvested crop to local elevators, PCOm and Archer Daniels midland, which has a processing mill in Kansas, the Southwest Farmpress noted.

nutritionCanola oil, which is high in omega-3 fat, may help prevent colon cancer, explains Dr. Mehmet oz. In a video posted on health site Sharecare, he cites a recent study that showed a diet rich in canola oil, as opposed to corn oil, led to fewer and smaller colon tumors. “When it comes to keeping your colon healthy, canola oil is a smarter choice,” he says.

Celebrity chef Bobby Deen told SHAPE magazine that he has switched to using canola oil as a substitute over butter and oliveoil when he can. On his television show, “Not my mama’s meals,” he takes on his mother’s notoriously unhealthy recipes and makes them over in a more health-con-scious way. He says he likes to use canola oil because it is more heat tolerant and not as “finicky” as olive oil.

In the Wisconsin State Journal, a physician explained how vege-tarians can get the nutrients they need from non-meat sources. Those who don’t eat fish and eggs may be at risk of not getting enough omega-3 fat, so the doc-tor recommends canola oil as a plant-based source of it. Omega-3 fat cannot be produced by the body so it is important to include as part of a balanced diet.

oil for fuel T h e U. S . D e p a r t m e nt o f Agriculture’s Agricultural research Service (ArS) has developed a method to improve the efficiency of biodiesel extraction: repurpos-ing what researchers term “near infrared reflectance spectroscopy equipment” – a type of chemical measurement device – to test the oil within seeds within an error of 0.5 to 0.73 percent. This will allow for optimizing the seed-crushing machinery to deal with each har-vest’s slightly unique oil composi-tion. The ArS focused on canola, which is an excellent biodiesel feedstock, using 226 canola sam-ples from Oregon, Washington and montana.

Canola oil is no longer just an ingredient at the Whole foods market commercial kitchen in

Everett, mass. Whole foods is recycling the used oil from its industrial fryers and using the resulting biofuel to run a gen-erator that provides nearly all the electricity for the company’s 70,000-square-foot building.

latest from industryThe Canola Council of Canada’s 2013 annual Convention will be in Vancouver, B.C., march 14-15. The theme is “Go for Gold” and topics will include nutrition, politics and industry news. register at http://canolacouncil.org/convention.

The Seattle Times reported that while canola is one of the prettiest crops in Washington’s Columbia Basin, it could become one of its fastest growing, thanks to good prices and the announcement of a new process-ing plant in Warden, Wash. Locals hope the plant, which is slated to produce food-grade oil, will continue to spur the growth of Washington canola.

about uscaEnter the fourth annual U.S. Canola Digest photo contestfor the opportunity to win cash prizes and have your photo pub-lished in the magazine! Check out www.uscanola .com for details: the deadline for sub-mission is Nov. 1, 2012. Winning photos will be determined in early December and published in the January/february 2013 U.S. Canola Digest.

for MAnY PeoPLe, the winter holidays are party time. From family reunions at Th anksgiving to religious holiday traditions and toasting the New Year with cham-pagne, celebration is the theme of the season. Plus, every gathering is a chance to show how much we appreciate the people in our lives.

Festive food that’s delicious and beautifully presented is key to a great holiday party, but no host wants to be stuck alone in the kitchen, frantically preparing last-minute dishes. Th at’s where pie comes in. Not only can you make it ahead and bake it during a meal, its versatility lends itself to a range of fun and delicious culinary options. For example, pies made in muffi n tins or individual sizes are perfect fi nger foods. Using a savory fi lling instead of a sweet one transforms pie into a main course such as quiche or pot pie.

Regardless of the type of pie, everything rests on the crust – and the crust depends on fat. Pie crust is a form of pastry characterized by tender fl akiness. Fat makes this possible by coating the fl our particles, preventing gluten strands from developing. (Gluten in wheat fl our is what gives bread its chewy elasticity.) Pastry fl ours are lower in protein with less gluten. Traditionally, shortening or lard is used for pie crust, but these are high in saturated and trans fats. Using canola oil instead will replace these unhealthy fats with heart-healthy unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.

A good pie can simplify holiday entertaining and canola oil makes it healthier. Th e pie crust recipe here can be used for any type of pie, although it is delicate and not recommended for lattice tops.

sHERI colEman, B.s.n., R.n., Is assocIaTE DIREcToR oF THE noRTHERn canola GRowERs assocIaTIon In BIsmaRcK, n.D.

sHERI colEman, B.s.n., R.n.

Canola Oil Pie CrustFrom Canola Gourmet

¾ cup whole grain pastry flour¾ cup all-purpose flour½ tsp salt½ cup canola oil2 Tbsp white vinegar

1. In large bowl, sift together flours and salt. Form well in flour mixture. add oil and vinegar, and combine until crumbly.

2. Form dough into ball. Place ball of dough on two sheets of nonstick plastic wrap. cover ball with another two sheets of plastic wrap. with rolling pin, roll dough ¼-inch thick or to desired thickness.

3. Place unbaked crust into pie plate and crimp edges. Prebake at 350°F for 8 minutes or add filling and bake according to pie recipe.

Yield: one 9-inch, deep-dish pie crust.

Pumpple (Pumpkin-Apple) Crumble PieFrom Canola Gourmet

Pumpkin filling:2 eggs, slightly beaten1 ½ cups pureed pumpkin1 cup evaporated milk½ cup sugar2 Tbsp melted butter¾ tsp cinnamon¹⁄8 tsp nutmeg¼ tsp salt

apple filling:2 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced¼ cup sugar1 tsp flour1 tsp lemon juice¼ tsp cinnamon

topping:½ cup flour5 Tbsp brown sugar3 Tbsp softened canola margarine¹⁄³ cup chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Follow directions for unbaked pie crust above and set aside.

2. In medium bowl, combine all ingredients for pumpkin filling and set aside. In separate bowl, combine all apple filling ingredients.

3. Place apple filling in bottom of prepared pie shell. Pour pumpkin mixture over apples and bake for 30 minutes.

4. meanwhile, combine topping ingredients until crumbly and sprinkle over pie. continue baking for 20 minutes longer. cool on wire rack until lukewarm.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

canola cooks

Healthier holiday Pie

with Canola oil


www.victorycanola.com

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® The Cargill logo is a registered trademark of Cargill Incorporated, used under license. ™VICTORY and the VICTORY HYBRID CANOLA logo are trademarks of Cargill Incorporated, used under license.Genuity®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity Icons, Roundup Ready®, and Roundup® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC, used under license. Monsanto company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product had been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confi rm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Excellence Through Stewardship.ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate.©2012 Cargill, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Cargill Specialty Canola Program

182-165D AD VictoryProgram2012 USA-CanolaDigest v101.indd 1 9/14/12 4:12 PM

CANOLA SUCCESS STARTSWITH THE RIGHT GENETICSBred to deliver top performance, Pioneer® brand canola hybrids feature industry-leading sclerotinia and clubroot-resistant traits to help deliver top yields in a variety of growing conditions. Talk to your Pioneer sales professional to help match the right product with the right acre.

www.pioneer.com/canola

The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of DuPont.®, TM, SM Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer. All purchases are subject to the terms of labeling and purchase documents. © 2012 PHII. CANUS024007P333VA

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