January 12/Saskatoon, Saskatchewan/Marketwire -- The government of Canada is investing in research that will benefit canola producers by increasing the value and usage of canola protein in the food ingredients market. An investment of more than $205,000 will be made toward the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission.

"The government of Canada is working to help producers keep ahead of the curve and remain competitive by developing new value-added products," said agriculture minister Gerry Ritz. "This investment will help canola producers meet the increased demand for protein packed food products in Canada and around the world."

This project will explore ways to incorporate canola protein into a variety of food ingredients through processing on a large scale. By finding out how to retain these proteins and incorporate them into other products, canola farmers and processors will have a higher-valued crop and new markets to tap.

"SaskCanola appreciates the government of Canada's investments that allow farmers to move the innovation agenda forward in their industry," Catherine Folkersen, executive director of SaskCanola stated. "It is important that canola protein be used in more food and feed applications to increase its value. Our organization remains committed to research, such as this project, that will result in producer profitability."

"The potential benefits this project could bring to canola producers are significant," said Neil Ketilson, chair of Agriculture Council of Saskatchewan. "This project is another example of how federal investments are enabling the agriculture and agri-food industry to seize opportunities which will benefit many, from producers to processors to consumers."

This investment is being delivered through the Canadian Agriculture Adaptation Program (CAAP) a federal, five-year (2009-2014), $163 million program that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. Eligible CAAP projects could be in areas of traceability, environment, climate change, capacity development, pests and diseases, and more.

From the January 13, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News
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