Biofuels end goal on list for Canadian mustard research

A new investment will be made into Mustard 21 Canada to help it continue research and development of the crop as an industrial feedstock for the emerging biofuels sector, among others.

Agriculture minister Gerry Ritz has announced an investment of CN$4.9 million (€3.4 million) to the non-profit organisation to go towards helping mustard producers ‘increase their competitiveness and profitability’.

Development on the industrial side of the equation will focus on higher oil and protein content, early maturing properties and disease resistance.

‘By developing a higher quality Canadian product we are helping producers stay ahead of competing countries in the marketplace,’ Ritz added. ‘This investment will improve mustard seed yield and quality, ensuring that Canada remains a leader in the mustard industry.’

This builds on a previous investment of CN$4 million from the Developing Innovative Agri-Products (DIAP) initiative, under the Growing Forward policy, to develop new varieties of mustard seed and new market opportunities for farmers.