Year in Review: Advancing Canola Profitability and Productivity

Throughout the year, the U.S. Canola Association (USCA) worked to strengthen the profitability and long-term productivity of the U.S. canola industry. USCA actively represented canola growers’ interests in Washington, advocating on critical federal policy issues that impact farm income, biofuels, research, trade, and regulatory certainty. In addition to policy leadership, USCA delivered value to its members through timely resources, industry insights, and meaningful networking opportunities.

Overview

2025 was a significant year for U.S. canola, marked by policy challenges, uncertainty, and achievements. Despite the challenges, the canola industry demonstrated resilience and strategic engagement across government, trade, nutrition, and market arenas.

Key Policy and Regulatory Highlights

• Farm Bill and Crop Insurance:
• The Reconciliation Bill enacted by Congress increased canola PLC reference prices to $23.75/cwt, ARC trigger to 90%, and premium assistance for crop insurance coverage.
• An expansion of Base acres was enacted that will use the 2019–2023 planting history.

• Government Operations:
• Significant disruptions and reforms created considerable uncertainty for USDA staff and federal research programs, and a 43-day complete federal shutdown followed; eventually, the government reopened, and a full-year Agriculture Appropriations bill was enacted, providing some stability for USDA operations through the end of fiscal year 2026. 
• Disaster relief Phase Two (SDRP) opened Nov. 24, covering shallow and quality losses not indemnified by insurance.
• $12B Farmer Bridge program payments for farmers impacted by unfair market disruption announced Dec. 8.

• Labor and Workforce:
• H-2A wage rates updated using BLS methodology, saving employers ~$2.46B annually.

• Trade and Market Access:
• Trade agreements finalized with the U.K., Malaysia, Cambodia, and Japan.
• Trade frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam, the EU, Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Ecuador.
• USCMA review negotiations ongoing, renewal expected July 1.
• A one-year tariff truce was established with China.
• The Supreme Court heard the IEEPA case on November 5; the final ruling is pending.
• President Trump excluded USMCA-compliant products from IEEPA tariff rates.



• Biofuels and Renewable Diesel:
• 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit extended through 2029 with ILUC emissions excluded.
• USCA advocated for the proposed increase in EPA RFS 2026-2027 volumes to support domestic biomass-based diesel (BBD) and advanced biofuels.
• USCA continued efforts to improve canola life-cycle analyses and carbon intensity scores, and to address the data gaps for canola going forward.

Nutrition and Science-Based Advocacy



• Seed oils, including canola, reaffirmed as safe, heart-healthy, and essential for balanced diets.
• MAHA policy recommendations finalized, removing claims targeting seed oils. 
• Studies continue to demonstrate linoleic and omega-6 fatty acids reduce cardiovascular risk, inflammation and metabolic incidence. USCA continues its efforts to combat misinformation about seed oils.

USCA Engagement and Outreach


• Capitol Hill fly-ins, coalition letters, and regulatory engagement supported grower priorities.
• USCA cohosted a reception with ASA on Capitol HIll.
• USCA has continually engaged with coalitions on seed oils, biofuels, biotechnology, and regulatory issues to align priorities.
• State/Regional workshops, USDA "Share Your Story" campaign, and national conventions promoted agronomic best practices.
• USCA staff and members continue in ongoing engagement to ensure canola's role in biofuels, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
• D.C. staff participated in a fly-in to more than 50 congressional offices to provide education on seed oils.
• USCA staff and executives participated in numerous interviews and articles regarding seed oils.
• D.C. staff participated in Canola Week for the Canola Council of Canada; topics included trade and MAHA.

Conclusion


2025 solidified U.S. canola’s position as a critical crop for farmers and the food, feed, and renewable fuels markets. Policy wins, scientific validation, and industry innovation created strong momentum heading into 2026, positioning growers for growth, productivity, and better markets.

About USCA

USCA works to support and advance U.S. canola production, marketing, processing, and use through government and industry relations. Since its establishment in 1989, the association has helped domestic canola  grow from virtually zero t to over 2 million acres. To learn more about USCA, go to: www.UScanola.com.