On Monday, March 31st, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual Projected Plantings Report for the U.S. The survey revealed that U.S. farmers plan to decrease canola acres by 15 percent to 1,010,000 acres.

Acreage in the largest canola producing state, North Dakota, is expected to drop to 920,000 acres, down from 1,080,000 acres last year. Production in other states is expected to decrease to 90,000 acres.

The Risk Management Agency recently announced the 2008 Projected Harvest Price for RA canola at $29.30 per hundredweight. This is an increase of $14.10 from last year. Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agents to determine the dollar amounts of coverage they can obtain based on this price. The price election for RA on canola is higher than the Multi-Peril (MPCI) price election of $24.23 recently announced for 2008. Producers are reminded to sign up by March 15.

The USDA Risk Management Agency today issued an additional Actual Production History (APH) price election of $24.23 per cwt. for spring planted canola. This is an increase of $10.93 from the $13.30 election announced last year.

The Northern Canola Growers Association has completed its 2007 Canola Quality Survey.  This is the eighth annual survey completed by the NCGA.  Green counts were down this year and the amount of damaged kernels was also down, resulting in 98 percent of the samples grading Number 1. 

The average oil content for the 2007 canola crop was 40.2 percent, down from an average of 41 percent from last year.  The lower oil content is a direct result of higher temperatures in the 2007 growing season.  Overall, the trend line level for oil content continues to point upwards.

The Northern Canola Growers Association is conducting this survey of the 2007 canola crop to identify the most prominent factors affecting canola yields. By identifying the key factors, we can use this information to target research efforts that will improve canola yields.

It's a Book!

"YUM! TASTY RECIPES FROM CULINARY GREATS"

The cookbook that keeps on giving

 
(Bismarck, ND) YUM! Full of Canola recipes contain Tasty Recipes from Culinary Greats (Cumberland House; October 25, 2007; $28.95) is ready to be eaten. A "giving" book from the onset, being underwritten by Microplane with their profits on the sale of the book going to the National Kidney Foundation.

 
Sheri Coleman, Associate Director of the Northern Canola Growers Association states, "This is an incredible cookbook with many recipes containing Canola oil from superior chefs across the country - spectacular and yummy!"

 
Culinary Greats Give!

A collection of mouth-watering recipes from culinary greats renown for their prowess in and around the kitchen. Some of the stellar contributors are Sara Moulton, Nick Malgieri, Jose Andres, Charlie Trotter, Roy Yamaguchi, Rick Tramonto, Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, Elizabeth Falkner and Susanna Foo.

 
If those names are not impressive enough, the book also features recipes from Steven Raichlen, Rick Bayless, Nathalie Dupree, Dan Barber, Tom Douglas, Jodie Adams, Ana Sortun, Suvir Saran, Michel Richard, Jamie Gwen, Gael Green, Susan Hermann-Loomis, Jacques Torres, Joanne Weir, Norman Van Aken, Scott Peacock, Joyce Goldstein and many others.

 
Whether they excel as chefs, restaurateurs, writers, and/or culinary educators, they have all worked their way to the top of their respective culinary fields. Each culinary great answers assorted questions with humor and passion on the pages of YUM! Giving readers insight to what makes them tick.

 
About the Authors:

Dara Bunjon, president of Dara Does It - Creative Solutions for the Food Industry, (www.dara-does-it.com) works within and with many aspects in the in the food industry from public relations, food styling, freelance writing, product development, and much more. Also know in Baltimore as Dining Dish, she writes a food blog (www.diningdish.blogspot.com) as well as a foodie newsletter by the same name.

 
Jeffrey Spear, is president of Studio Spear (www.studiospear.com) a leading national marketing consultancy based in Baltimore Maryland. The company focuses its strategic and creative efforts on kitchen based "lifestyle" products and caters to both consumer and trade audiences.

 
YUM! Tasty Recipes from Culinary Greats
$28.95 Hardcover U.S./$34.95 Canada
ISBN: 978-1-58182-616-6
On Sale: October 25, 2007

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Substitution of canola oil for common dietary fats in the U.S. would increase compliance with recommended intakes of saturated, monounsaturated and plant omega-3 fats, noted a modeling study published in the October 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA). The study examined the effect of substituting canola oil for selected vegetable oils and canola oil-based margarine for other margarines and butter in the diet of nearly 9,000 adult Americans.

 
"The results of this study show that fatty acid intake can be influenced substantially through a simple recommendation to change the type of vegetable oil used at the table and in cooking," wrote co-authors Guy H. Johnson, Ph.D., president, Johnson Nutrition Solutions LLC; Debra Keast, Ph.D., principal, DR Keast Food and Nutrition Database Research Consulting; and Penny Kris- Etherton, Ph.D., R.D., distinguished professor of nutrition, The Pennsylvania State University. "The lack of consumer barriers to such a change with respect to cost, taste, convenience and availability makes canola oil attractive from a practical perspective."

“This investment reinforces our longstanding commitment to agriculture in Saskatchewan,” said Ken Sauser, plant superintendent at Cargill in Clavet.  “Saskatchewan has over half of Western Canada’s canola acres, making Clavet an ideal location for the new facility.”

Groundbreaking for the new facility will take place in the coming months with construction completed and production started by November 2008.  The new operation will employ about 25 people.  Combined with the recent opening of a crop research facility, Cargill’s total employment at Clavet will reach 150 full-time equivalent employees.

We are entering a period of rapid global growth in oilseeds and Canadian canola will play a key role in that growth” noted Ken Stone, Cargill’s Canadian Oilseed Manager.  “As our North American and world customer base continues to grow for generic and specialty canola oils, the canola producers of Western Canada become an even more critical partner to us in serving our valued customers.”

Cargill has a number of long-term agreements to supply major food customers with canola oil, including specialty varieties valued for being low in saturated fat and having zero trans fat.  The added crush capacity is supported by strong demand for hi oleic canola oil in addition to growing demand for generic canola oils.

Stats Canada reported its acreage estimates for the current crop year.  Canola production is estimated to be within trade estimates at 9.24 million metric tons, an increase of 2.7 percent from 2006.  Canola acreage is estimated at 14.2 million acres, breaking the previous record of 14.1 million acres in 1994.  Manitoba and Saskatchewan production will be up, while production in Alberta will be down.  The production figures are not expected to impact the canola market.

 
The canola number is down from production expected earlier this year as unfavorable weather conditions took a toll on all Canadian crops.

350 Store Delis Convert to Nutra-Clear NT™ from Bunge Oils

Indianapolis, IN and Salt Lake City, UT - August 02, 2007

Associated Food Stores, operator of groceries throughout eight Mountain West and Western states, announced today that it has converted all 350 of its grocery delis to Nutra-Clear NT™ cooking oil from Bunge Oils. This new zero trans fat canola oil has the lowest saturated fat levels among the new trans fat alternatives, a high level of heart-healthy (omega-9) monounsaturated fat, and actually allows these delis to reduce the bad fats in fried items.

"We are excited that Nutra-Clear NT™ gives us the opportunity to help get trans fat out of local diets, while also reducing saturated fat," said Barry Holinski, Director of Bakery/Service Deli, Associated Food Stores. "Because many of the zero trans fat oils on the market actually raise saturated fat levels, it was important for us to find an oil that does not exchange one unhealthy fat for another." Items prepared in the zero trans fat oil include fried chicken, burritos, corn dogs, and potato logs.

"Our customers have come to love the taste of the foods that the delis at Associated Food Stores serve, so it was very important that we maintain those, while also working to make our foods healthier," said Barry Holinski, Director of Bakery/Service Deli, Associated Food Stores. "And though making this change was really the best thing to do for our customers, it has also been good for our business. We’re actually saving money by taking advantage of the extended fry-life this oil offers."

Nutra-Clear NT™, a "next generation" Omega-9 Canola Oil, is made from naturally bred NEXERA™ canola seeds developed by Dow AgroSciences. These Omega-9 Oils are the "next generation" in cooking oils due to their package of superior taste, health and performance. Capacity to provide more than one billion pounds of Omega-9 Canola Oil enables the immediate conversion by foodservice and food processing companies to a zero trans fat alternative.

"And now is a great time for Associated Food Stores to convert," said David Dzisiak, commercial leader, Oils for Dow AgroSciences. "Due to the crop production cycle, it takes time to grow and produce the oil, so the time for operators to place their orders for future conversions is now, ensuring that we get the right amount of crop produced."

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. [June 6, 2007] - CKE Restaurants, Inc. announced today that its Carl's Jr.^® and Hardee's^® restaurant chains are converting to Omega-9 Canola Oil from Dow AgroSciences. This continues the important trend of food companies converting to zero trans fat canola oil. This "next generation" canola oil has the lowest saturated fat levels among the new trans fat alternatives and a high level of heart-healthy (omega-9) monounsaturated fat, allowing the CKE restaurants to eliminate trans fat and reduce saturated fat in their fried menu items.

  "We are very pleased to announce our conversion to zero trans fat, 100 percent canola cooking oil in our restaurants by January of next year," said Andrew F. Puzder, president and chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants, Inc.  "We have evaluated many zero trans fat cooking oil alternatives and 100 percent canola cooking oil was the ideal oil option to satisfy both our health and taste criteria."

The conversion will be completed by January 2008 in all franchised and company-operated Carl's, Jr. and Hardee's restaurants.

At a time when culinary gurus are hitting an all time high taking gourmet into home kitchens, the Northern Canola Growers has joined forces with Super Chef, Suvir Saran to sizzle foodies with the wonders of canola.  "In the kitchen, I found the answers to all my curiosities," says New Delhi-born chef Suvir Saran. While growing up, Saran was lured by the fascinating rituals of the kitchen-both the culinary and spiritual center where he cultivated his passion for the traditional flavors of Indian cooking. "I love canola oil," states Saran, "it's so good for you and easy to work with."

Steve Kakela of Langdon was elected President of the US Canola Association at its recent annual meeting in Washington, DC.  Kakela will serve a two-year term for the Association.  Kakela is a long-time canola grower from the Langdon area and has been active in the Northern Canola Growers Association and the U.S. Canola Association for the last decade. 

Doug Scoville of Idaho was also elected first Vice-President and Kevin Waslaski of Langdon, North Dakota was elected second Vice-President at the annual meeting.

NCGA Board members Kevin Waslaski, Ryan Pederson, Tom Borgen, Bernie Bachman and Greg Mitchell also attended the annual meeting along with Barry Coleman, NCGA Executive Director. 

The Northern Canola Growers Association has received word that Bayer CropScience has received a registration for Proline™ Fungicide for use on canola to control sclerotinia. Proline™ Fungicide has a new active ingredient, prothioconazole, that will control sclerotinia in canola. Replicated trials at Langdon, North Dakota have shown excellent control of sclerotinia with Proline.

Use rates for Proline range from 4.3 to 5.7 fl oz/acre.

For any questions concerning the use of Proline, growers should visit www.cerealexperts.com or talk to their local Bayer CropScience representative.

On Friday, March 30th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual Projected Plantings Report for the U.S. The survey revealed that U.S. farmers plan to increase their canola acres by 12 percent to 1,168,000 acres.

Acreage in the largest canola producing state, North Dakota, is expected to be 1,050,000 acres, also up 12% from 940,000 acres last year. Production in other states is expected to increase to 118,000 acres.

Higher prices for canola due to extremely heavy demand from the food sector as a result of a Qualified Health Claim for canola and canola’s role as a transfat replacement combined with biodiesel demand are a primary driver of the increased acreage intentions.  However, industry observers have indicated to NCGA that planted acreage of canola in North Dakota will be approximately 1,200,000, a 27% increase.  

The North Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service has recently published its estimates of canola production by county for the 2006 crop year. Cavalier county led the state in planted acreage at 193,000 acres. Average yields in the state were 1,370 pounds. Total canola production in North Dakota was 1.28 billion pounds.

For a direct look at the data, go to the following link: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/North_Dakota/Publications/County_Estimates/index.asp

The Risk Management Agency recently announced the 2007 Projected Harvest Price for RA canola at $15.20 per hundredweight. This is an increase of $4.30 from last year. Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agents to determine the dollar amounts of coverage they can obtain based on this price. The price election for RA on canola is higher than the Multi-Peril (MPCI) price election of $13.30 for 2007. Producers are reminded to sign up by March 15.

GRAND FORKS, ND Northstar Bioenergy has announced plans to build a fully-integrated oil seed crush and refining facility in the northern Red River Valley. Processing is scheduled to begin in August of 2008, with a projected annual yield of 40 million gallons of canola-based vegetable oil for the food market, 2 million gallons of biodiesel fuel and over 190,000 tons of canola meal for the livestock industry. The announcement was made today during the International Crop Expo in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

“We built flexibility into the project’s production and marketing options,” stated Todd Johnson, Vice President of Northstar Bioenergy and a Hallock businessman. “With the national emphasis on both reduced trans fats and bio fuels, we wanted to be able to capture the best opportunities in both the food and energy markets in the future, while creating economic impact for Hallock and our region.”

The plant is projected to process 680 million pounds of canola annually yielding an estimated $70 to $80 million in annual gross sales for the region’s canola growers. Canola is a crop that thrives in the shorter growing season of northern North Dakota and Minnesota.

“The economic benefit goes beyond the impact on our area’s canola growers,” Johnson said, “We’re anticipating 44 new jobs with a projected annual payroll of $2.3 million, plus annual revenue of $115 million, once the plant is in operation. Plus the construction activities are expected to add another $135 million to our regional economy.”

Over 300 people attended the 10th Annual Canola Day of the Northern Canola Growers Association held recently in Langdon, North Dakota. Featured speakers for Canola Day were ND Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson and Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network.

Johnson presented information on the upcoming farm bill debate and the opportunities for North Dakota agriculture and what this means to future farm legislation. Wick provided insight on the food market trends occurring in the U.S. and the impacts these food trends are having on agriculture, especially oilseeds. Barry Coleman presented information on the Farm Bill priorities of the oilseed coalition during the morning session.

The Northern Canola Growers Association also held board of director elections during its annual meeting. Bernie Bachman of Langdon and Ryan Pederson of Rolette were re-elected by the membership as producer directors on the NCGA board. Chad Effertz of Velva was elected to an industry position on the board. The NCGA presented an award to outgoing director Richard Lutz of Regent.

The Risk Management Agency issued an additional Actual Production History (APH) price election of $13.30 per cwt. for spring planted canola on February 9, 2007, a $2.75 increase from the $10.55 election announced by the Agency in early December. While canola is insured under a single policy, the crop consists of both fall and spring seeded varieties. The sales closing date for fall seeded canola is in June, while spring seeded is March 15^th. Since over 90% of the crop is spring seeded, RMA Administrator Eldon Gould directed the Agency to differentiate the insurance coverage for the crop, allowing the bulk of the crop to be insured at a competitive value to other spring seeded crops in the Northern Plains. 

Join the NCGA Wednesday, February 14th at the Langdon Activity Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 8:30 a.m. View Exhibits/Sign Up for Door Prizes 9:15 - Welcome ~Kevin Waslaski, NCGA President 9:30 – 2007 Farm Bill Update ~Dale Thorenson, U.S. Canola Association 10:15 ~ Avail Update, Shawn Kasprick, Simplot Grower Solutions 10:30 - View Exhibits 11:00 - NCGA Annual Business Meeting/Election of Directors - Door Prizes 12:00 - Free Pasta Buffet Lunch/View Exhibits 1:00 – Keynote Speaker - Farm Program Update ~Roger Johnson, Commissioner of Agriculture 2:00 –Food Trends in Agriculture ~ Don Wick, Red River Farm Network 1:00 –Canola Spa Breakout Session~ Sheri Coleman, NCGA Marketing Director. Over $1,000 in Door Prizes to be Given Away! Please join us for a social at the Langdon Eagles at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night before the show.

Canola oilseed crush maintained its strong pace through December, managing the 16th consecutive month in which canola crush was higher than year earlier levels, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.

During the month, oilseed processors crushed 332,352 metric tons (MT) of canola. Oil production totalled 145,538 MT while meal production amounted to 197,414 MT.

This was a record monthly canola crush, surpassing the previous record of 325,303 MT crushed in October 1998. The year-to-date canola crush was also a record at almost 1.55 million MT.

Canola crushing in the U.S. is also running at record levels as demand for canola oil as a transfat replacement, for biodiesel demand and increased sales due to an FDA Health Claim for canola have all combined to generate record demand for canola.

The USDA reported in its January 12 Production Report that average U.S. canola yields dipped only 4 percent in 2006, far less than other crops. For the year, average canola yields were 1,366 pounds per acre. In North Dakota, average canola yields were 1,370 pounds per acre.

For the 2006 canola crop, USDA estimated U.S. production at 1.394 billion pounds, up 172 million pounds from the prior forecast. A strong crush demand for canola is expected to raise 2006/07 imports by 30 percent, to nearly 1.5 billion pounds. Canola seed prices are benefiting from the overall strength of the vegetable oil market. Current prices are already near historic highs exceeding $13 per hundredweight and could climb even further.

In North Dakota, the largest canola producing state in the U.S. with over 90% of production, total production was 1.28 billion pounds. Harvested acres totaled 935,000 acres.

Biola® fuels are made from canola oil, making it a superior product for biodiesel users, as well as for the environment. Biola® fuels will exceed the ASTM specification of D 6751 and can be used in any diesel engine that can utilize biodiesel.

The Northern Canola Growers Association recently trademarked Biola® fuels and launched the official logo for this product at its Canola Biodiesel Forum in Minot, North Dakota.

Irvine, Calif., November 16, 2006  Taco Bell Corp. (Taco Bell) announced today that it will convert all of its more than 4,200 single brand US restaurants to a new zero grams trans fat canola oil for frying from a partially hydrogenated soybean oil. Development efforts began more than two years ago with extensive consumer taste tests to preserve Taco Bell’s signature flavors, and the transition to zero grams trans fat canola oil is already complete in more than 100 restaurants. All Taco Bell^® restaurants are expected to be transitioned to zero grams trans fat frying oil by April 2007 nationwide.

 “We conducted a tremendous amount of consumer research to make this the right choice for our customers,” said Emil J. Brolick, Chief Concept Officer and President of Taco Bell Corp. “We know our customers love the unique tastes and delicious flavors of Taco Bell, and soon they will be able to enjoy many of our menu items prepared in zero trans canola oil without any compromise in taste.”

NCGA Says Health Claim Good News for Canola

Bismarck, ND - The Northern Canola Growers Association welcomed the news today that the FDA will allow a Qualified Health Claim (QHC) for canola oil, based on its ability to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) due to its unsaturated fat content. The claim, which canola oil bottlers and makers of eligible products* may use on labels, states:

Limited and not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1½ tablespoons (19 grams) of canola oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in canola oil. To achieve this possible benefit, canola oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day. One serving of this product contains [x] grams of canola oil.

The Northern Canola Growers Association was a partner in this health claim that was officially filed by the U.S. Canola Association.

"We saw an opportunity for canola to bear a health claim based on favorable health studies that showed the beneficial effects of canola's profile," stated Kevin Waslaski, Langdon, President of the Northern Canola Growers Association. "Our board members felt it was a wise decision that could have a large impact on canola oil use while at the same time improving public health."

This finding was determined by a modeling study that examined the effect of substituting canola oil for selected vegetable oils and canola oil-based margarine for other margarines and butter in the diet of adult Americans. Food recall data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to calculate the effect of substituting canola oil for corn, cottonseed, safflower, soybean and vegetable oils described as “not further specified” and of canola oil-based margarine for other margarines and butter in the diet at 25%, 50% and 100% replacement levels.

The study was based on NHANES data from nearly 9,000 adults over 20 years of age. Results showed that saturated fat intake would decrease by 4.7% and 9.4% with 50% and 100% substitution, respectively.

Complete substitution would increase monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and a-linolenic acid (ALA, an omega-3) intakes by 27.6% and 73.0%, respectively, and would decrease polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and linoleic acid (LA, an omega-6) intakes by 32.4% and 44.9%, respectively. Intakes of energy, total fat and cholesterol would not change.

The bottom line: substitution of canola oil and canola oil-based margarine for most other vegetable oils and spreads would increase compliance with dietary recommendations (i.e., Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 and Institute of Medicine) for saturated fat, MUFAs and ALA, but not LA, among U.S. adults.

A mixture of vegetable oils containing ALA and LA can be used to achieve compliance with the adequate intake for these essential fatty acids.

“The results of this study show that fatty acid intake can be influenced substantially through a simple recommendation to change the type of vegetable oil used at the table and in cooking,” Johnson concluded.

“The lack of consumer barriers to such a change with respect to cost, taste, convenience and availability makes canola oil attractive from a practical perspective.”

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada – James Richardson International Limited (JRI) today announced it will build its new state-of-the-art canola crushing plant in the vicinity of Yorkton, Saskatchewan. As previously announced, the plant will be capable of processing 840,000 metric tons of canola per year and its construction cost is estimated to be in the range of $100 million. Yorkton is situated in the heart of Western Canada’s prime canola growing region. With access to the main lines of major rail carriers, a good highway system and the availability of required infrastructure, the area possesses many favorable attributes that make it an ideal location for JRI’s canola crushing plant.

Government representatives of Manitoba and North Dakota were very helpful, informative and engaged in various meetings with JRI. They articulated very clearly and enthusiastically the advantages of their respective jurisdictions. However, JRI’s decision was made based on operational considerations and in that respect, the Yorkton area more closely met the established criteria.

“We are very pleased with our decision to build in the Yorkton area,” said Hartley T. Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of JRI’s parent company James Richardson & Sons, Limited. “As the Richardson family approaches its 150th year of business in Canada, this bold new project will stand as a milestone in the evolution of our agri-food business. This is a positive development for our company and Western Canadian agriculture generally.” JRI President Curt Vossen adds, “We look forward to working with the municipal authorities and area residents as we move ahead with the construction and operation of the plant. The immediate and longstanding benefits to the communities involved are exceptional.”

The North Dakota Ag Statistics office reported September 4th that the canola harvest in the state is progressing rapidly, with 89 percent of the crop harvested. This compares to the five-year average of 59 percent. Harvest progress this year is also well ahead of last year's 69 percent.

Growers in the northeast part of the state have the most acres left to harvest. Yields in that area of the state have been reported at 1,500 - 2,600 pounds, higher than last year's crop.

Typical yields across the state were expected to be in the range of 1,200 pounds per acre, but with higher yields obtained in the northeast, that number may rise. Final yield estimates will be released by the USDA Ag Statistics Service in January.

Canola planted acreage in North Dakota this year was also reported at 933,000 acres, up 33,000 acres from the June estimate. This acreage is down almost 9 percent from 2005.

The $75 million project backed by the North Dakota Farmers Union will consist of five buildings on 110 acres southeast of Minot. The plant will also include rail equipment and an operations center.

The factory will make about 30 million gallons of biodiesel fuel per year from canola, and should be operating by late next summer, employing about 50 people.

State officials praised the plant at its groundbreaking.

Dave Kolpack, The Forum -

North Dakota State University and biotechnology company Monsanto have agreed to work together on ways to improve oilseed crops for biodiesel fuel and other products.

School officials say the partnership makes sense because the state leads the nation in the production of canola, a preferred ingredient in biodiesel.

"This is a great big deal for us," said Ken Grafton, dean of agriculture at NDSU. "In talking to my colleagues across the country, we don't see this level of partnership with private industry."

Higher canola prices spurred by new demand from biodiesel and transfat labelling have resulted in increased planted acres of canola over the March Projected Plantings Report for North Dakota. According to the National Ag Statistics Service, North Dakota farmers planted 900,000 acres of canola in 2006, down from last year’s 1.04 million acres, but up 8.5% from the March Projected Plantings Report.

The USDA indicated 1.018 million acres of canola were planted in the U.S., down 12% from last year, but up 10% from the March Projected Plantings Report.

New Holland became the first major equipment manufacturer to announce it fully approves the use of up to B20 blends in all engines manufactured by New Holland.

This is the highest inclusion rate announced by a major equipment manufacturer and shows the increasing popularity and acceptance of biodiesel.

Further information can be obtained from the New Holland website at: http://www.newhollandmediakit.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=newsreleases.DisplayNewsReleases&NewsID=166

Source: Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Bismarck, ND.

        A feasibility study is underway as the first step in developing a locally owned, high capacity biodiesel plant utilizing canola feedstock.

 Northern Prairie EnviroFuels, LLC. (NPEF) retained the energy professionals of Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson (KL&J) to conduct the feasibility study. The proposed site for the facility is in Cavalier County.

If built, fuel produced from the plant will meet the more stringent European standards for biodiesel. NPEF also anticipates having a crushing facility for processing the oil to meet biodiesel production quotas and potentially produce excess oil to be sold to other biodiesel plants or for human consumption.

New biodiesel information has been added to the NCGA website under the "Growers Information" link on the left. Just click on "Ext. Bulletins" under this link to see a new Biodiesel Bulletin from NDSU.

You can also link to it here: http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/ageng/machine/ae1305.pdf

 More biodiesel information can be found under Canola Links.  Click on biodiesel basics for the Biodiesel Education Network.

The FDA has posted a link to the petition for a qualified health claim for canola oil which was officially submitted by the U.S. Canola Association. The petition, funded in part by the Northern Canola Growers Association, seeks a qualified health claim (QHC) for canola oil and reduced risk of heart disease. The agency filed the petition for formal review on February 28 and the petition was recently posted to FDA’s web site for public comment for 60 days until May 2.

Details of the claim application can be found at http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/06q0091/06q-0091-qhc0001-toc.htm.

The agency has 270 days to reply to the petition. It is estimated that a response from FDA will come no sooner than a year from now. The petition was written by Guy Johnson, PhD, of Johnson Nutrition Solutions and reviewed by an eight-member working group, including representatives of the Northern Canola Growers Association and Canola Council of Canada, as well as nutrition scientists.

Sheri Coleman, Director of Marketing and Health promotion for the Northern Canola Growers Association attended the 8th Annual Foodservice Educators Network International (FENI) conference February 23-26 in Orlando, Florida at the Orlando Culinary Academy.

As part of the Canola Oil Promotion Committee between the Northern Canola Growers Association and Canadian provincial groups, canola sponsored the FENI event at the Silver level. With the Silver Sponsorship level a luncheon was served with all products being prepared in or including canola oil. Guy Johnson from Johnson Nutrition solutions was the featured speaker of the event speaking on the nutritional research and benefits of canola oil. A canola culinary cookoff competition was held between advanced culinary students and educational materials and canola culinary curriculum were distributed to attendees.