2019 Dr. Wilf Keller, agricultural research scientist, Saskatoon, SK – involved in the development and application of biotechnologies for canola crop improvement (GM canola). Congratulations to Wilf Keller, 2019 recipient of the Canola Influencer Award!

2018 Zenneth Faye, farmer, West Bend, SK – driving force behind SaskCanola, Director on SCGA Board, and inaugural Chair of Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission. Congratulations to Zenneth Faye, 2018 recipient of the Canola Influencer Award!

2017 William Cooper, farmer, Foam Lake, SK – Director on the Board of the Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association (SCGA) and Executive Director of SCGA. Congratulations to William Cooper, 2017 recipient of the Canola Influencer Award!

2016 Dr. Keith Downey, agricultural research scientist, Saskatoon SK – one of the “Fathers of Canola” who played a key leadership role in the development of canola. Congratulations to Dr. Keith Downey, 2016 recipient of the Canola Influencer Award!

The story of canola began in 1942, the middle of World War II. At that time all trains and ships were steam powered and to keep them running smoothly, oil from the rapeseed species Brassica napus and B. rapa were essential.