Eastern Canadian oilseeds to receive funding

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay announced funding up to C$4.3 million over five years to the Eastern Canada Oilseed Development Alliance (ECODA).

The funding comes through the Projects component of the AgriScience Program, an initiative of the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Program (SCAP). The funding will be matched with C$4.0 million from industry partners and the provincial agricultural departments of PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Why it matters: financial injection will help fund innovations for the oilseed sector.

According to an Oct. 4 press release, the purpose of the funding is to allow ECODA to develop new agronomic technologies, improved cropping systems and adaptive varieties.

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The aim of the project is to improve long-term sustainability of the Eastern Canadian oilseed industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving soil health and yields.

Eastern Canada accounts for 14 per cent of all oilseed acres and 22 per cent of total Canadian production. In the press release, MacAulay called oilseed crops a vital part of Eastern Canadian farming.

“This support will help farmers stay ahead of challenges like climate change, while keeping their crops healthy and their farms productive,” MacAulay said. “By working together, we’re ensuring a bright future for the oilseed industry and for Canadian agriculture.”

ECODA President Rory Francis said in the press release that the funding will help add value to the sector.

“ECODA is pleased to coordinate the work of researchers, growers, value-added businesses, and exporters, working together to increase the economic value of sustainable Canadian oilseed supply chains.”

The research announced Oct. 4 include 12 multi-year projects focused on a range of crops including, soybeans, canola, camelina, mustard and pulses.