Manitoba Bulletin

Celebrating 40 Years!

The story of canola production in Canada is an exciting journey of innovation and growth that has long been supported by people committed to seeing the crop, and the farmers who grow it, prosper.

Even before the days when Baldur Stefansson and Keith Downey collaborated with other scientists, chemists, nutritionists and plant breeders to create a new crop called canola, people recognized the need for an association to manage communication between scientists, farmers, merchants, processors and consumers.

The Rapeseed Association of Canada (RAC) is where it all began, with the first annual meeting held in Winnipeg in March 1968. With a broad, industry-wide and national focus established, it wasn’t long before people realized that there was also need for a regional, farmer-focused organization to continue expanding the innovation and growth down to the grassroots level.

“It was fascinating to see the exchange of ideas, and problems being discussed by the different segments of the industry. It became evident to me that there was a role for organized grower groups to be involved,” says Ken Edie, initial president, Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA).

Just two years later, in March 1970, the first meeting of the Manitoba Rapeseed Growers Association was held in Swan River. As the introduction of canola evolved farmers away from traditional rapeseed and interest in this exciting new crop soared, the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) was incorporated on July 8, 1982.

Celebrating 40 years of supporting canola farmers, Manitoba Canola Growers has refreshed their mission statement to reflect the same values of the past while remaining focused on the future.

MCGA’s mandate is to represent the approximately 7,500 farmers who grow canola in the province, and through a new strategic plan the association will serve members in three key ways over the coming three to five years:

1. Deliver meaningful communication and engagement

2. Focus on farm success

3. Elevate farmers as bold leaders and experts

The ability to celebrate 40 years of serving farmers comes from the hard work and dedication of past and present MCGA board members and staff. MCGA recognizes them for their commitment to decisions, policies and adaptability that have and will continue to support a progressive and forward-thinking canola association. Their actions have built the foundation on which MCGA will continue to grow and achieve its vision to deliver bold action for canola farmers.

Canola Research Priorities

Manitoba Canola Growers (MCGA) research program focuses on funding and investing in projects and programs that match farm priorities to improve the sustainability of Manitoba canola farms through:

PROFITS – working towards improved and stable profits from Manitoba canola acres

PEOPLE – providing safe and manageable farm production options

PLANET – increasing the longevity of Manitoba farmland by improving soil quality and cropland biodiversity, while reducing negative environmental
impacts of canola production

Overall Research Priorities

1. Increase canola yield potential and stability in Manitoba conditions through genetic and agronomic solutions.
2. Protect canola yields from current and emerging pests.
3. Improve canola nutrient use efficiency through 4R management practices.
4. Reduce or improve the environmental impact of canola production.
5. Reduce harvest and storage losses through genetic and management solutions, as well as equipment optimization.
6. Ensure supply of high-quality canola to meet current and future end-use demands.

The majority of MCGA research funding is directed towards canola-specific research. However, MCGA additionally reviews Manitoba whole-farm focused research proposals in collaboration with other funding organizations.

2022-23 Research Funding Targets

To fill gaps in current funding, MCGA is actively seeking new projects that are focused on:

• Flea beetle management strategies
• Optimizing fertility management in canola
• Improving yield stability in environmental extremes
• Managing acres to improve soil health

To learn more about MCGA funded research visit CanolaGrowers.com