Australian canola a ‘thorn in our side’

Canada's canola export market is facing increased competition from Australia, particularly in key markets like Mexico and Japan, where Australian canola is selling at significant discounts. This competition has led to a decrease in Canadian canola exports, although Canada still holds a competitive edge in the Chinese market due to phytosanitary regulations. Domestically, demand for canola in Canada is expected to rise with the commissioning of new processing plants, shifting focus from seed exports to increased canola meal production for the Chinese market. Additionally, the article highlights the competitive advantage of Australian canola's higher oil content over Canadian canola, which has seen a decrease in oil content as breeders focus on increasing protein. The Canola Council of Canada is exploring ways to balance oil and protein content to enhance competitiveness. The 2024 growing season poses challenges for Canadian growers, including below-normal soil moisture levels and potential drought risks, emphasizing the need for careful management of fertilizer use and pest pressures to mitigate yield reductions.