Canadian Canola Industry

Canada's canola industry adds $13.8 billion in economic activity to the Canadian economy. More than 52,000 Canadian farmers grow canola - largely as full-time farmers and in family farm businesses. They depend on canola to generate between one third and one half of their revenues.

Domestically, canola generates economic activity of $1.3 billion in Ontario and Quebec (primarily in the processing sector), and $12.2 billion in western Canada. The world is our market. Canola exports bring over $2.8 billion back to the Canadian economy, and represent 75% of our annual production.

Canola Uses
Canola is crushed and the oil is sold commercially or to consumers, food manufactures and the food service industry. It is known as the heart-healthy oil. The by-product of the crush is canola meal which is used as a protein supplement in feed rations for livestock and other animals. In total, 75% of the canola seed, oil and meal produced in Canada is exported to destinations such as the United States, Japan, Mexico, and China.

The most important export market for canola oil and meal is the United States, while the most important raw seed export destinations are Japan and Mexico.

The industry has the ability to meet demands for highly selective products to fill niche market opportunities. The consumer is demanding choice at the retail level and the industry is meeting this challenge with a diversified base of specialty products. These range from specialty canola oil formulations for use as a replacement component in the confectionery industry, and canola oils that do not require hydrogenation for use in commercial frying and packed foods. Canola oil is also used in the manufacture of inks, as biodegradable greases, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other uses.