| CSCO
Registers First Canola Hybrids with High Oleic Trait
April 17, 2003
April 17, 2003 – Calgary, Alta. – A new chapter
in the evolution of the Canadian canola industry is unfolding
with the approval for registration of the first specialty
canola oil hybrids. Two new Roundup Ready® hybrids from
Cargill Specialty Canola Oils (CSCO) deliver both the field
performance of hybrid canola and the high oleic oil trait
that generates higher returns per acre under CSCO contracts.
“Market opportunities for CSCO’s high oleic canola
oil will continue to grow at a fast pace. We’re pleased
to lead the way for growers to seize these opportunities with
the first hybrids,” says Gary Galbraith, CSCO’s
Canadian production manager, based in Calgary. “With
its heavy commitment to research, global reach in the food
industry, and prairie-wide expertise in canola production
and crushing, Cargill Specialty Canola Oils is uniquely positioned
to advance the use of canola oil.”
The new CSCO hybrids will be marketed under the Victory™
brand. “We see these hybrids as a victory for canola
growers with whom we contract and a victory for consumers
demanding healthier options from the food industry. So it’s
appropriate that the name for our hybrid line reflects this,”
notes Galbraith.
The new Victory hybrids boast a complete canola production
package. Field trials have charted a 13% yield boost over
open-pollinated canola varieties. Both hybrids also offer
the simplicity of Roundup Ready weed control, the power of
Helix® seed treatment and the higher grower returns that
high oleic oil commands.
CSCO will be contracting for 2004 canola oil production, as
the process of hybrid seed multiplication continues through
the summer. CSCO’s open pollinated varieties (including
IMC106, IMC109RR, IMC208 RR, IMC304RR) will continue to be
marketed under the IMC brand name.
Industry observers are predicting a substantial increase in
demand for high oleic canola oil in the next few years. “The
market for bottled oil – where canola currently sees
its greatest use – represents only a small fraction
of the total oil market. Meanwhile, we do see that the oil
market is being reshaped as consumers understand the importance
of limiting trans fatty acids and saturated fat in their diets.
These changes provide an unprecedented opportunity for our
grower partners to make healthier returns from healthier oils,”
says Galbraith.
CSCO oil, with a composition of high oleic acid and low linoleic
acid, is specially developed for high-heat, high-stress food
processing applications while maintaining low saturated fats
and no trans fatty acids. This includes restaurant deep frying
and extending the shelf life of in-store products without
the hydrogenation that is required of most liquid oils, including
conventional soybean and canola oils. It is the hydrogenation
process that produces trans fatty acids.
Recent changes in labeling regulations mandated by Health
Canada, as well as those proposed by the U.S. FDA, will require
the labeling of both saturated fat and trans fatty acids.
“Some large food manufacturers have had the foresight
to act in advance of developing consumer awareness and attitudes
concerning the role of trans fatty acids in healthy diets.
They’re looking to our high oleic canola oil as a strategic
ingredient to deliver low saturated fats and to eliminate
trans fatty acids, by using oils that improve their product’s
nutritional profile,” says Galbraith.
Cargill Specialty Canola Oils is an industry leader in the
research, development and marketing of high oleic canola oils.
CSCO partners with growers to produce the high oleic canola
oils that meet the needs of its end use customers. Cargill
Specialty Canola Oils is part of Cargill’s worldwide
food processing business, and participates in all aspects
of the value chain, including: plant breeding and research,
certified seed production, contracting, crushing and marketing
of high oleic canola oils.
Gary Galbraith
Production Manager
Canada
Telephone: (403) 250-6089
Cell: (403) 816-3163
gary_galbraith@cargill.com
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