FORT SASKATCHEWAN, Alta. (Staff) — If a U.S.-based canola company wants to do business in Canada, its plant breeders must come up with varieties adapted to the Canadian climate.
Intermountain Canola established nurseries in Canada two years ago to develop specialty varieties of the oilseed that will thrive on the Prairies.
“The only way we can make a variety good enough for Canada is to be in Canada,” said plant breeder Willie Loh of Intermountain Canola.
“We’re here because we believe this is where there is going to be a significant amount of production and we’re going to go head to head against the best canola varieties.”
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At the 6.4-hectare research plot, north of Edmonton, the company is looking for high-yielding, early-maturing varieties that will still make a top-quality oil.
“We may be interested in the specialty quality of the oils, but you as a producer are interested in yields.” The taste, performance and healthfulness are the main components they want. Food companies don’t want an oil that changes the taste or quality of their food.
They are also working to reduce the seven percent saturated fat content.
