AgBioResearch

Michigan Canola Industry Research Priorities

Submitted by:
Great Lakes Canola Association
Clayton Ernst, President
4250 South Parker Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103-9318
(743) 662- 8993

The Great Lakes Canola Association (GLCA) was organized in 1999 to “Develop and maintain an economically viable Canola Industry in the Great Lakes Region.” Growing a Canola industry in the Great Lakes Region is moving along at a rapid pace. We are working on a number of efforts to enhance the probability of a viable Great Lakes Canola Industry. One of our goals is to communication our priorities with industry and Agency partners so we are al pulling in the same direction.

The GLCA would like to partner with MSU AgBioResearch in accomplishing our mission through the following research priorities:

1. Provide educational programs and opportunities for our members, constituency groups and the general public on production, processing and utilization of canola.

2. Develop canola production throughout the region by supporting current and potential growers in the following manner:

• Research and disseminate information to safeguard against Canola insects pests, weeds and diseases.
• Develop new varieties of spring and winter Canola that have value added traits such as increased oil content, high linoleic oils, low glucosinolate and erucic acid levels.
• Conduct research on resistance to winter-kill in winter Canola.
• Conduct research to produce higher yields through fertility management.
• Conduct research to select highest yielding varieties at the MSU Ag. Experiment stations in E. Lansing, Lake City, Chatham and in partnership with private farms in Canola production areas.
• Conduct research on nutritional values of Canola oil for human consumption.
• Conduct research on blends of Canola oil for the value added markets.
• Conduct research on nutritional values of Canola meal for poultry and livestock consumption.
• Conduct research on cultural practices that increase yields of Canola.
• Conduct research on benefits of Canola in rotation with other crops.

3. Engage partners to work with the GLCA to foster value enhancement opportunities that increase profitability in the following areas:

• Bio-based environmentally friendly lubricants including two cycle engine oil, four cycle engine oil, industrial lubricants, marine lubricants, equipment grease and others.
• Bio-based fuels to reduce environmental pollution.
• Nutritional products derived from Canola oil extracts.

4. Advocate on behalf of the Canola industry with state and federal agencies with regard to legislation, regulations and product registrations whenever applicable.

5. Provide technical assistance to agriculture and industry manufacturers in the technical aspects of marketing analysis, engineering and processing design.

6. Provide technical assistance to agriculture and industry manufacturers in the implementation of processing and retailing Canola products.