ALLTECH CROP SCIENCE READY TO GROW IN CANADA

Four of Alltech’s crop science products have received approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Agro-Mos, Soil-Set, Crop-Set and Grain-Set are now registered as micronutrient fertilizers in the Canadian agronomic market. While each product has a different source of micronutrients, all of the products are used to treat micronutrient deficiencies. Fuelled by the power of yeast, Alltech products offer a viable alternative to conventional agrochemicals.

RICHARDSON OILSEED DOUBLING CANOLA PROCESSING IN LETHBRIDGE

Canola processor Richardson Oilseed Ltd. plans to double the capacity of its plant in Lethbridge, Alta., to meet growing global demand. The Winnipeg-based company says the expansion will improve the plant’s efficiency by upgrading technology and increasing automation. Richardson currently processes about 1,200 tonnes of canola daily or 410,000 tonnes per year out of its Lethbridge plant. Construction is slated to begin early next year and be completed by the end of 2015.

DUPONT AND MONSANTO REACH LICENSE AGREEMENTS

DuPont Pioneer and Monsanto Company have announced a series of technology licensing agreements that will expand the range of seed product offerings. The agreements include a multi-year, royalty-bearing license for Monsanto’s next-generation soybean technologies in the United States and Canada. Through these agreements, DuPont will be able to offer Genuity Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans as early as 2014 and Genuity RR 2 Xtend glyphosate and dicamba tolerant soybeans as early as 2015, pending regulatory approvals. DuPont and Monsanto also agreed to dismiss their respective antitrust and first-generation RR soybean patent lawsuits pending in U.S. federal court.

CFIA SEEKING CONSULTATION OF PULSE SPECIES

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking feedback on the placement of pulse species among the three Parts of Schedule III of the Seeds Regulations. Currently, field pea, field bean, faba bean and lentil species are listed under Part I of Schedule III of the Seeds Regulations. Applications for the registration of new varieties of these species must include at least two years of pre-registration testing and merit assessment by a recommending committee. There has been some indication from industry that it may be more appropriate for these species to be under Part II, which does not require merit assessment, or Part III, which does not require either merit assessment or pre-registration testing. Questions and comments can be submitted to:

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GROWING MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN SOYBEANS

Canadian soybean farmers are growing new international market opportunities with the support of the Canadian Government with the announcement of an investment to help the Canadian International Grains Institute, in partnership with the Canadian Soybean Council to seize new opportunities in markets abroad. The AgriMarketing investment of $90,000 is enabling the CSC to undertake market development activities in targeted markets abroad, such as Japan and southeast Asia. This will allow the industry to determine the best approach for export market development in priority markets.

CANADIAN REPORT CONFIRMS AG GROWTH

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has released its Overview of the Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food System 2013 which underscores the strong contribution of the agriculture sector to Canada’s economy. “Farm performance continues to remain strong as the industry becomes more competitive, innovative and profitable,” says Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “The report shows that the sector continues to be internationally focused, which is why our government places such an emphasis on opening new and maintaining existing markets.” The report containing the latest comprehensive annual data from 2011 shows high farm income levels, record levels of investment in agriculture-related research and development, and strong market receipts as well as agricultural exports.

WCWGA WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT

The board of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association has elected Levi Wood as its new president. Wood replaces Kevin Bender who announced he was stepping down as president in January. Bender remains on the board as a director. The WCWGA will continue to work on policy issues to enhance the prosperity of prairie grain farmers, including work to create a more attractive investment climate, further Canadian Grain Commission reforms, and develop trade agreements and a science-based regulatory approval system for seed and other farm inputs.

20/20 SEED LABS' GRAND OPENING IN NISKU

20/20 Seed Labs is holding its grand opening on April 19, 2013 from 11 am to 4 pm at its new lab and head office located in Nisku, Alta. The event will include laboratory tours led by 20/20 seed testing professionals as well as numerous hands-on activities. 20/20 Seed Labs conducts germination, purity, specialized vigour tests, molecular disease diagnostics and other services.

BARLEY RECEIVES RECOGNITION

Barley is finally getting the recognition it deserves with a new consumer website—www.GoBarley.com. Described as a one-stop shop for everything barley, the website features more than 60 brand new recipes from main dishes to desserts, as well as blog posts from nutritionists and foodies. The website is part of a new market development initiative by the Alberta Barley Commission, a grassroots, farmer-run organization for barley producers.