Canola Acreage Increasing Across the PNW

Canola acreage increased in all four states across the Northwest this year, led by a 24% increase in Washington. Karen Sowers, Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Canola Association said as a rotational crop, canola has a couple of unique benefits.

“Increased yield of the following wheat crop or barley crop, whichever you’re growing in rotation, and the steady market. It’s up compared to garbs and other pulses, and the wheat market. Those factors together are driving the acreage increases.”

Sowers added there’s also close proximity to processers which is vital to the growing industry. Sowers said there will be a board meeting later this month to discuss how to increase their education efforts over the winter.

“We’ve made the decision to go virtual, following the lead of other organizations. Pretty much everybody is going to some sort of virtual format. We’re looking at anything from a call-in format, call or email your questions about canola production, to a bi-weekly or bi-monthly, whatever it might be.”

Sowers believes all states could see another year of growth in canola acreage, perhaps similar to the 2020 numbers. Click Here to learn more about the growing canola industry.

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