By 2025, the Canola Council of Canada says farmers need to be able to average 52 bushels per acre, which will allow the country to produce 26 million metric tonnes annually thus meeting the world’s growing appetite for healthier oils and protein and remaining competitive on the global stage.
In a statement, Chairman Terry Youzwa, calls these bold targets. “We believe that it can be done responsibly and sustainably, said Youzwa. “We’re really not targeting an increase in acres in a substantial way, it’s primarily from improved production practices and on-going improved genetics.”
The targets set by the CCC follow them commissioning an independently analysis, which concluded vegetable oil demand will grow from 150 million tonnes next year to 250 million tonnes in 2025 and it didn’t stop there. The study also pointed to the fact healthier oils like canola could rise even faster. It also concluded there could be more demand for canola meal after the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations pointed out there is a growing demand for protein in animal diets.
Youzwa, a Saskatchewan farmer, says if Canada doesn’t rise to the occasion, its competitors will.
Under the 10 year plan, dubbed ‘Keep it Coming 2025’, the plan is to increase profits per acre for producers , while building the crop’s value in key markets.
In an effort to reach these high goals the industry has laid out three priorities:
PRIORITY 1: SUSTAINABLE, RELIABLE SUPPLY
Sustainably and profitably increase annual canola production in Canada to meet global demand for 26 million tonnes of Canadian canola by increasing yield to an average of 52 bushels per acre. Improve quality characteristics of seed, oil and meal to meet new and existing customer requirements.
PRIORITY 2: DIFFERENTIATED VALUE IN THE MARKETPLACE
Meet global demand of 26 million tonnes by differentiating and demonstrating the quality characteristics of seed, oil and meal to meet new and existing customer requirements at a competitive price.
PRIORITY 3: STABLE AND OPEN TRADE
Creating a competitive, stable and open trade environment that consistently allows the industry to attain the maximum value for canola and its products free of tariff and non-tariff trade barriers.
“We really do need these open trading markets environments without them we wouldn’t be able to market any where what we are doing now, never mind growth opportunities,” said Youzwa.
President Patti Miller says everyone in the full value chain has to pull together in a thoughtful and responsible way to make it happen.
“Our new plan is the clarion call as growers, processors, seed developers and exporters all work together in pursuit of mutually beneficial goals,” she said. “It also sends an important message to the services and supports that are so vital to our industry. We’re saying, we have a great opportunity before us, and we are growing to meet it. Let’s get ready!”
Canola generates around 19.3 billion dollars in economic activity every year.
All the details of the plan can be found by clicking here.
