November-December 2012

November • December 2012

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

Farm Bill Compass: Stalemate Farmers Fight for Right to grow Canola in Willamette Valley, oregon Pacific northwest Fuels Canola Biodiesel Production

CANOLA PROTEIN MAKERS NAVIGATE FUTURE FOODS

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 433 BISMARCK, ND

NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 VoL. 7, no. 4

www.UsCAnoLA.CoM eXeCUtiVe editor Angela dansby angela@uscanola.com

features

MAnAging editor Alison neumer Lara alison@uscanola.com

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ContriBUting writers Barry 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

new Legislation hangs on fiscal Cliff

PUBLishers Barry Coleman coleman@ndpci.com

elections and lame-Duck Session limit options for Farm Bill

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John gordley john@uscanola.com

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

grAPhiC designer Melissa rosenquist melissa.rosenquist@gmail.com

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

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

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regional Canola Acreage grows as Biofuel demand increases

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Herbicide-tolerant Canola top Crop Worldwide

great Plains Canola Association www.greatplainscanola.com

Plant Biotechnology widely Adopted

Minnesota Canola Council www.mncanola.org

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

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Pacific northwest Fuels Canola Biodiesel Production

regionAL AffiLiAtes great Lakes Canola Association www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/canola

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.

Commercial Products to hit grocery stores in 2014

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sALes rePresentAtiVe Mary o’donohue modonohue@gordley.com

northern Canola growers Association 2718 gateway Ave, #301 Bismarck, nd 58503 tel: 701.223.4124 • fax: 701.223.4130 www.northerncanola.com

Foodmakers Hungry for Canola Protein

20 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.

departments 4 6 10 23 24 25 26

editors’ Letter UsCA Update nCgA news gPCA news MCC news Quick Bytes Canola Cooks

editors’ letter

Canola: from farm to fork to fuel 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 producers 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 market in mass by 2014. U.S. Canola Digest spoke with industry leaders and researchers about the growing demand for plant protein, canola protein’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.

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

Fueling up the Pacific Northwest

Canola Oil Tops with Consumers

Canola oil acreage in the country’s Pacific Northwest is expected to expand as the region’s biofuel manufacturers tap into the benefits of canola biodiesel. Canola oil’s low saturated fat content makes it healthy for cooking, but also a great biodiesel that can withstand lower

Farm Bill Fallout

The expired farm bill terminated many important programs, leaving 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 Oregon

Will 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.

U.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 lifestyles, which bodes well for canola oil sales. See page 17 for more.

Regional Updates

The 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 conditions to canola research. Upcoming meetings and additional media outreach 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 Endings

And 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 angela@uscanola.com

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managing editor alison@uscanola.com

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usca update

expiring farm Bill Cuts off Programs UsdA distributes Canola research funds DalE THoREnson

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 expiration of the farm bill has little or no effect on some important programs, it terminated other significant programs, dealing a severe blow to many farmers and ranchers, as well as ongoing market development and conservation efforts.

Following is a summary of these impacts.

Many farmers, ranchers and agribusiness or agricultural processors benefit from the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), which exhausted its funding in October. FMD is a cost-sharing trade promotion partnership between U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. agricultural producers and processors. The 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 Programs Expired Under or product in the foreign market. Funding for 2008 Farm Bill trade promotion, as well as specific funding Dairy producers will face considerable for personnel to run the program at USDA, challenges without the Milk Income Loss ran out at the end of October. Agricultural Contract (MILC) program. The now-expired exports, which comprise 31 percent of gross program compensated dairy producers when U.S. farm income, make a positive contridomestic milk prices fell below a specified bution to the nation’s trade balance. FMD’s level. Without a new farm bill, dairy farmers trade promotion is an important safety net for are left with uncertainty and inadequate assis- U.S. producers. Once the program is rendered tance. While milk prices remain high enough inoperable, other countries will certainly take to avoid the need for the price support pro- advantage of the opportunity to steal U.S. gram, there is no other safety net to help battle market share – and, as everyone knows, the the highest feed costs on record. 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 a re protected, no new producers can sign up for the CRP or Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Both of these programs are voluntary land retirement programs that help agricultural producers prothe 2012 Farm Bill is still bottled up in Congress, cutting off oxygen tect environmentally to key programs such as those related to market development sensitive land, decrease and conservation. erosion, restore wildlife

Bill m Far

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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 industry 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 funding to augment the competitiveness of specialty crops through programs that enhance trade, promote cutting-edge research and implement on-the-ground projects to protect crops from disease and invasive species.

Funding for these programs ended when the farm bill expired.

Numerous other programs, including initiatives on energy, agricultural research, rural development and funding for new farmers, could be added to this list. The bottom line is that while expiration of the farm bill causes little or no pain to some, others face significant 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 benefits will not be affected because the SNAP program did not need to be extended. Funds for nutrition assistance programs will continue.

Farmers and ranchers who manage their risks using the farm bill’s crop insurance provisions will be unaffected because, like SNAP, those programs don’t expire. Nor do some of the conservation-related programs. In addition, most commodity-specific programs are largely covered by the 2008 Farm Bill since it applies to the 2012 crop year, rather than the 2012 fiscal year.

A new peak in contracts.

Canola research funds disbursed the UsdA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced Oct.1 the distribution 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 appropriations process will be one of the many items awaiting action when the 113th Congress convenes 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 funding by the Senate in its version of the FY2013 appropriations 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.

8/8/12 10:28 AM

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usca update

elections and Lame-duck session Limit options for farm Bill new Legislation hangs on fiscal Cliff JoHn GoRDlEy

Congress Left wAshington in September after passing a resolution to continue funding the federal government at fiscal year 2012 levels through next March. Despite advocacy efforts by Farm Bill Now, a coalition 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

between the House and Senate bills. Senate Agriculture Committee leaders resisted taking up the disaster measure passed by the House before the August recess, arguing that it isn’t broad enough and that more comprehensive 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 elections 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 parties. Regardless of which party is in charge, however, neither is likely to have the 60 votes needed to shut down filibusters on controversial legislation. The gridlock that has characterized the 112th Congress can be expected to continue in the 113th.

T he outc ome 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 the gridlock that has characterized the 112th Congress is expected to situation and try continue in the 113th. to find consensus on key issues, pos(also known as the Supplemental Nutrition sibly including the farm bill, starting in the Assistance Program or SNAP) and com- lame-duck session. If Gov. Mitt Romney wins, modity programs (particularly direct pay- Republicans may decide to defer some of these ments), an extension would have been nearly decisions until his administration takes office as difficult to pass as reconciling differences in January.

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Looming Fiscal Cliff

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. Regardless of the post-Nov. 6 political situation, a decision to extend the Bush-era tax cuts will continue 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 massive 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 commodity 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 program spending. This could unbalance the carefully 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

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.

Message to Congress

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.

The 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, including coverage for revenue loss. Increased projected 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. This decision reduced prospective spending cuts in overall farm programs by half from $16 billion to $8 billion.

Farmers should continue to call on current members of Congress to finish the 2012 Farm Bill when they return to Washington in November. While work on some past farm bills has extended from Congressional session to session, no Congress has ever failed to complete farm legislation before final adjournment, 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 responsibilities. We need a new farm bill now!

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regional news

Canola research and Marketing regional Priorities nCgA Broadcasts Canola oil Messages to Media BaRRy colEman anD sHERI colEman, B.s.n., R.n.

CAnoLA growers, reseArChers and industry professionals will meet to discuss regional research projects at the Northern Canola Growers Association (NCGA) 6th annual research conference on Nov. 8. The meeting in Fargo, N.D., will focus on findings from recent canola research projects and gather feedback from grower representatives on charting new areas for research. About 50 growers, members of the research community and industry personnel are expected to attend.

Next Canola Day in Early 2013

The NCGA will hold its 16th annual Canola Day in Langdon, N.D., on Feb 6. The keynote speaker will be John Baize of John C. Baize and Associates, an international agricultural trade and policy consulting firm specializing in the oilseeds sector. Baize will highlight major market factors expected to influence the oilseeds market in 2013-14. In addition, North Dakota State University researchers will share the latest canola production results and the NCGA will hold its annual membership meeting.

2012 Canola Growing Season

This year’s North Dakota canola yields averaged approximately 1,3001,450 pounds per acre, with extremes as high as 2,300 pounds per acre and as low as 1,000 pounds per acre in areas affected by 2012’s high temperatures, 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 north Dakota canola record heat in July severely limited yields. The growing season yeilds averaged finished with 41 percent of the region’s crop rated in the good 1,300-1,450 pounds to excellent categories, down per acre for 2012. from 72 percent at the end of the 2011 growing season. Area crops also suffered from an unusual amount of aster yellows that, combined with the heat, dealt a blow to Canada’s canola crop as well.

stAtewide rAdio CAMPAign edUCAtes growers the 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 marketing efforts throughout north dakota and the listening region. radio spots repeat on different days and times throughout the week. Coverage will be broadcast on regional radio stations including kZZY (devils Lake), kndk (Langdon), kZZJ (rugby), k d i X ( d i c k i n s o n), k n d C (hettinger), kBto (Bottineau) and kCJB (Minot).

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“unclE cHEF,” an award-winning kids’ cooking and nutrition show, will shine the spotlight on canola oil in three upcoming webisodes filmed in Bismarck, n.D. The ncGa partnered with show producers to facilitate the shoot in June 2012. The short, online episodes use high-energy entertainment to educate young viewers about canola oil’s culinary and health advantages.

Canola oil good for kids’ health THE 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 childhood 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 participants 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.

COUNTY

2011

2012

COUNTY

2011

2012

Adams

11,494

11,777

Mckenzie

4,231

9,388

Barnes

543

684

McLean

55,062

90,542

Benson

19,432

20,348

Mercer

10,077

15,465

Billings

660

1,251

Morton

2,867

4,531

Bottineau

37,548

84,024

Mountrail

47,582

58,315

Bowman

3,469

8,544

nelson

19,668

26,202

Burke

23,818

57,779

oliver

3,384

5,152

Burleigh

10,169

13,557

Pembina

5,374

12,600

Cass

7

12

Pierce

27,061

30,199

Cavalier

192,549

324,600

ramsey

57,486

56,435

dickey

-

-

ransom

-

-

divide

2,517

16,706

renville

8,612

70,296

dunn

4,827

5,807

richland

-

-

eddy

2,300

2,708

rolette

37,080

73,294

emmons

898

797

sargent

-

-

foster

3,406

2,537

sheridan

11,282

18,804

golden Valley

380

2,411

sioux

-

294

grand forks

3,766

4,621

slope

5,617

12,341

grant

3,138

6,285

stark

8,277

10,784

griggs

1,755

899

steele

539

1,367

hettinger

54,925

66,765

stutsman

1,643

2,985

kidder

2,375

3,052

towner

72,265

109,136

LaMoure

-

-

traill

-

111

Logan

708

302

walsh

17,703

25,311

Mchenry

20,587

42,840

ward

35,917

94,439

Mcintosh

1,210

-

wells

4,360

6,988

williams

6,832

14,813

CANOLA ACREAGE

kids’ Cooking show to feature north dakota Canola

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.

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 comfort 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.

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foodmakers hungry for Canola Protein Commercial Products to hit grocery stores in 2014 alIson nEumER laRa

Protein is essentiAL to human nutrition, but in a world with more than 7 billion people and increasing food demand, sourcing it from animals alone isn’t sustainable.

Enter canola protein, a rich and balanced source of essential amino acids (the body’s protein building blocks) derived from the meal leftover from canola oil extraction, and until now, primarily used in animal feed. In different forms, these versatile protein isolates can be incorporated into a range of human food products, such as snack bars, baked goods, dressings, sauces, meat products and sports beverages.

Close to Commercialization

Canadian 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 marketplace in large volumes by 2014,” Garringer said. “The key is having a nutritionally complete 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, powdered protein supplements, meal replacements and custom formulations. BioExx is also reportedly working with more than a dozen major food companies to develop protein-fortified products. Though Garringer declined to specify 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 isolates, Puratein® (primarily an emulsifier and binder) and Supertein™ (a soluble form for beverages), both earning GR AS status in 2010, but the company suffered a setback when its agreement with ADM to  Martin Schweizer, vice president of technical development at Burcon, nutraScience, “toasts” to canola protein’s solubility and clarity in beverages.

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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.

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 production partners, the company is also planning 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.”

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

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 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.

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

 the U.S. Food and Drug administration granted Burcon’s canola protein isolates gRaS (generally Recognized as Safe) status in 2010.  Bioexx’s protein isolates (including isolexx, pictured here) received gRaS status in 2012 and are expected to be used in commercial products in 2014.

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. 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 benefits, but if you can’t get [canola protein] into appealing food products, if it’s limited to capsules and pills, there’s a limited audience.”

And that would be a big loss for canola protein, 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 animal 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 sector, but industry players say canola protein could compete favorably.

“The market for all plant proteins will continue 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 largest oilseed crop and we are definitely adding value to the meal.” alIson nEumER laRa Is manaGInG EDIToR oF U.S. CANOLA DIGEST.

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U.S. Canol a DigeSt

15

Hybrid Technology meets Hybrid Agronomy ®

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S

Providing high performance winter canola genetics for “America’s Newest Row Crop.” TM Spring canola hybrids also available. www.rubiscoseeds.com :: info@rubiscoseeds.com (270) 903-4994

Photographs taken in KY and AL.

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

U.s. ConsUMers Are more healthconscious 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.

The survey of primary U.S. grocery shoppers 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 second most widely used cooking oil and consumers desire healthier recipes.

Marketplace Perception

The survey pointed out that consumers’ healthful perception of canola oil has significantly increased since 2008. It now occupies a space closer to olive oil and is clearly differentiated from the other types of cooking oils included in the poll that are perceived as less healthy, including vegetable, sunflower, peanut, sesame, coconut, soybean and grapeseed oils.

The 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, sunflower, peanut, sesame and soybean oils. Consumers are also now more likely to purchase a product made with canola oil versus one made with another type of cooking oil.

Cooking Oil Usage

There 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. Those 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 frequently 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. The shift in cooking trends, from deep- and pan-frying to sautéing and salad dressings, is a perfect match for canola oil’s versatility and heart-healthy qualities.

There is also a significant 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. Those who have recently used canola oil are more often preparing gourmet and low-fat meals compared to infrequent users.

Other Influences

The 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 significantly increases consumers’ likelihood of purchasing (87 percent) and paying more for (67 percent) canola oil and products made with it.

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

84%

ContinUed on PAge 21 ❱

CooKing oil USe oCCaSionS 65%

Cooking oil use in last 3 months

58% 50%

Cooking oil use: most often (2012)

48%

Cooking oil use: most often (2008)

40% 34%

significant change 2008 to 2012

35%

24%

19% 13% 12% Saute

\

Pan-fry

Bake

18% 9% 5%

3%

3%

Salad Dressing Marinate/Baste

1% 1% Bread Dip

9% 3% Deep-fry

3%

1% 2%

other

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. w w w . u s c a n o l a . co m

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17

editorial

stop Ban on Canola in willamette Valley, oregon farmers fight for right to grow Crop Amongst other Brassica species KaTHy FREEBoRn HaDlEy

YoU woULdn’t think canola and marijuana 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 environmentalists. The problem is there are many farmers, such as myself, that want to grow canola here and we have been pushing for a change in the rules to allow just that.

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.

18

U.S. Canol a DigeSt

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, producing grass seed, grains, forage crops and specialty crops, including meadowfoam and turnips. 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 critical management component, but many farmers, 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 problem weeds and diseases in addition to utilizing different nutrients from the soil. Second, the climate here is perfect for canola production. When we plant canola in the early fall, it establishes easily and receives all of the necessary 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

novemb er • d ecemb er 2012

willam

ette Va lley, o re.

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 Banned

The 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, vegetable 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, several 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 maintain 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

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 Intensifies

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 biotech 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 agricultural sector. As market prices have increased in

The 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 create more balance between competing industries. That led to a smaller working group helping draft a proposed rule that would allow canola production in limited areas of the Valley when abiding by certain management stipulations. 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 environmentalist 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 jeopardy by impacting the vegetable seed industry.

Ironically, the environmental and organic communities in the Valley are supporting a continued ban when they typically represent the people 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 Rights

One of the biggest struggles we’ve had in advocating for canola production here is that would-be canola growers are limited in numbers and have been relatively unorganized compared to the vegetable seed and organic industries and the environmental community – all of

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. which have methods in place for quick and easy communication among their respective members. There have been many e-mails circulated about the perceived threats of canola production in the Willamette Valley, including a lot of misinformation. So we are not only advocating 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 public. 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 singled 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 oIl sEED PRoDucERs a ssocIaTIon anD ownER/oPERaToR oF FREEBoRn anD HaDlEy FaRms In RIcKREall anD sIlVERTon, oRE. FoR moRE InFoRmaTIon aBouT THE oREGon DEPaRTmEnT oF aGRIculTuRE’s RulInG, Go To www. oREGon.GoV/oDa/PaGEs/canola.asPx.

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19

Pacific northwest fuels Canola Biodiesel Production regional Canola Acreage grows as Biofuel demand increases BRITTany FaRB

Zero ChoLesteroL, low saturated fat, light texture, neutral taste, high spoke point and good source of omega-3 fat and vitamin E. While these are all known benefits of canola oil, there is more to this healthy, versatile 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 biofuel manufacturers and canola growers.

Better Performance

With just 7 percent saturated fat, health professionals have touted canola oil as a healthy

choice for cooking. However, low saturated fat content also translates well for fuel stability. 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 completely soluble, is quite low at -3 ˚C, compared 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.

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

Area harvested

Yield per acre

2011

2011

2012

1,000 acres

2012

pounds

2011

2012

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

10.2

14.5

1,900

1,800

19,380

26,100

15.9

21.6

1,500

1,639

23,850

35,400

1,043.0

1,737.6

1,475

1,430

1,538,010

2,484,050

washington other states

1

United states

Other States include Colorado and Kansas.

Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

1

20

Production

U.S. Canol a DigeSt

novemb er • d ecemb er 2012

“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 Benefits

After former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued an executive order in 2007 requiring the reduction of at least 10 percent 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 biodiesel,” said Shelby Neal, director of state governmental affairs for the National Biodiesel Board, after the report’s release. “The bottom 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 significantly reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.

These reductions may lower health risks associated 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 ozonedestroying 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

Region Reaps Benefits of Canola

Similar 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

Healthy Eating Trends

❰ CONTINUED frOm PAGE 17

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 primary care physicians and dietitians as influencers when it comes to nutrition and healthy cooking. Other key sources of information on these topics are newspapers, magazines, general websites and food television shows. About 8 percent of primary grocery shoppers turn to social media for culinary information, especially 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.

am optimistic about its f uture,” Horn said. “Pacific Coast Canola has had what we think is a key role in helping develop a robust renewable f uels indu st r y in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.”

E d mond s sa id Inland Empire Oilseeds has also experienced positive growth in response to increased canola demand in the region. In fact, the biodiesel plant restarted production in 2011 after closing for almost a year. Since then, an additional oil crushing plant adjacent to the original 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.

likelihood to purchase a product that has claim on it.

1%  much less likely 5% to buy one without claim

22%

 Somewhat less likely to buy one without claim  Claim would have no impace on purchase

Base (left): 1096

Increasing Demand

Soybean 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 soybean oils is reduced. The more market channels, the better for farmers. And the more consumers 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-partisan interest in national energy independence, new sources of clean energy, new opportunities for our farmers and new jobs in rural areas that are often economically distressed probably means biodiesel is here to stay.”

BRITTanY FaRB Is a FREElancE wRITER In cHIcaGo, Ill.

Willingness to pay more for product with a claim on it.

4%

 Willing to pay a lot more  Willing to pay a little more  Not willing to pay any more

61%

46%

 Somewhat more likely to buy one with claim  much more likely to buy one with claim

“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.”

72%

26%

35% Base (right): 785 cooking oil users who are likely to buy a product with claim.

Source: Cogent Research, March 2012.

that canola biodiesel reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 percent. As a result, canola qualified as an “advanced biofuel,” defined as a high-energy liquid 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.

BREnT connETT Is accounT supERvIsoR aT InkovaTIon, Inc. In cHIcaGo, Ill.

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U.S. Canol a DigeSt

21

RAW YIELDING POWER 6070 RR 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.

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120%

115%2 100%

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 6070 RR

Trial

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

2

Biodiesel-fueled JeT car

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 09.12 1 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.

regional news

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

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 sunflower state. That’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 profitable cash crop CAnoLA ACres in kAnsAs may signify the crop is here to stay. At recent canola inCreAsed froM 11,800 in risk management schools conducted at two sites in 2011 to 18,800 in 2012.

Kansas, over 72 percent of participants at each school viewed canola as a “profitable cash crop.” Over 73 percent of participants at each school responded they would “continue growing canola” or “strongly consider growing canola.” The risk management schools have been effective 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 fitting into their cropping systems and providing many of the same benefits that have been identified in other canola-producing states. When asked what they felt are the greatest benefits 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%

Educating for Success

the kAnsAs stAte UniVersitY canola program is also investing heavily in promoting and educating producers on good farming practices, and new and emerging risk management tools for winter canola. To accomplish these tasks, two new projects will begin in fall 2012. The 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). The projects enable university personnel to provide “boots on the ground” training and consulting to both new and experienced canola growers through risk management schools, field days and tours, field 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 producers will need to be successful.

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 hybridization to create new varieties in Ksu greenhouses and field testing them in nurseries 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 testing 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 programs are located in the southern Great Plains, breeding for widespread adaption is an important focus of the regional project. In addition, researchers are testing experimental cultivars across the country 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 companies 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 growers in the southern Great Plains include winter survival, oil quality, herbicide tolerance, blackleg resistance, pest resistance and grain yield.

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.

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regional news

Canola Production Centre and new Crush Plant in full swing Jon DocKTER

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 desiccation and straight harvesting, seeding date and production system influence on canola performance 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.

Herbicide-Tolerant Canola Top Crop Worldwide anGEla DansBy PLAnt BioteChnoLogY has been adopted by farmers worldwide at a higher rate than any other agricultural practice in history, according to a 2011 report from the International service for the acquisition of agri-biotech applications (Isaaa). From 1996 to 2011, farmers 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

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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 pancakes 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 partnership 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

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

Representative Dan Fabian and Kittson County Commission Chair Joe Bouvette.

With the plant operating at full capacity 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 marketed by Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, LLC under an exclusive product marketing agreement. Visit www.NorthstarAgri.com for more information.

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

• 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.

period from 1996 to 2010 was $2.7 billion and $500 million for 2010 alone (Brookes and Barfoot, 2012). as reported by the Institute of Food Technologists, biotech crops are tested more rigorously than any other plant products 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 consumed by billions of people worldwide without a single documented health problem. no biotech crops are allowed in the marketplace until they undergo extensive safety assessments, following strict scientific criteria.

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

anGEla DansBy Is ExEcuTIVE EDIToR oF U.S. CANOLA DIGEST.

• 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.

novemb er • d ecemb er 2012

quick bytes

capitol hill

agronomy

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 terminated a number of important programs and will adversely affect many farmers and ranchers, as well as ongoing market development and conservation 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 Oklahoma Oilseed 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 fertility, 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 commission 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.

The USCA also submitted comments to the Oregon Department of Agriculture in favor of its proposed 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 production, 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 continue to rise exponentially. The Washington Post noted that the debate in Oregon over canola production pits organic food lovers, 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.

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 winter 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.

nutrition Canola 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 olive oil 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-conscious 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 vegetarians 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 doctor 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 The U. S. Depar tment of Agriculture’s Agricultural research Service (ArS) has developed a method to improve the efficiency of biodiesel extraction: repurposing 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 harvest’s slightly unique oil composition. The ArS focused on canola, which is an excellent biodiesel feedstock, using 226 canola samples 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 generator that provides nearly all the electricity for the company’s 70,000-square-foot building.

latest from industry The 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 it s fastest grow ing, thanks to good prices and the announcement of a new processing 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 usca Enter the fourth annual U.S. Canola Digest photo contest for the opportunity to win cash prizes and have your photo published in the magazine! Check out w w w.uscanola .com for details: the deadline for submission is Nov. 1, 2012. Winning photos will be determined in early December and published in the January/february 2013 U.S. Canola Digest.

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canola cooks Canola Oil Pie Crust From Canola Gourmet

¾ cup whole grain pastry flour ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ tsp salt ½ cup canola oil 2 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.

Healthier

holiday Pie with Canola oil

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

for MAnY PeoPLe, the winter holidays are party time. From family reunions at Thanksgiving to religious holiday traditions and toasting the New Year with champagne, 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 lastminute dishes. That’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 muffin tins or individual sizes are perfect finger foods. Using a savory filling 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 flakiness. Fat makes this possible by coating the flour particles, preventing gluten strands from developing.

(Gluten in wheat flour is what gives bread its chewy elasticity.) Pastry flours 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. The 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.

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novemb er • d ecemb er 2012

Pumpple (Pumpkin-Apple) Crumble Pie From Canola Gourmet

Pumpkin filling: 2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 ½ cups pureed pumpkin 1 cup evaporated milk ½ cup sugar 2 Tbsp melted butter ¾ tsp cinnamon ¹⁄8 tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp salt apple filling: 2 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp flour 1 tsp lemon juice ¼ tsp cinnamon topping: ½ cup flour 5 Tbsp brown sugar 3 Tbsp softened canola margarine ¹⁄³ 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.

Cargill Specialty Canola Program

Pod for pod, Cargill Specialty Canola will make you more money.

Choose Cargill Specialty Canola for premier, high-yielding VICTORY ™ hybrids that generate unparalleled profits. And enjoy the convenience of a simple program that saves you time and hassle. Want the proof?

Contact your local CHS or independent dealer.

® 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 confirm 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.

www.victorycanola.com

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CANOLA SUCCESS STARTS WITH THE RIGHT GENETICS

Bred 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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