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USCA Calls Out Administration's Damaging Messages on Canola, Supports Science-Based Oversight in MAHA Commission Process
On July 28, the U.S. Canola Association (USCA) sent a letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy, USDA Secretary Rollins and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission urging them to stop their messaging that suggests canola oil is unhealthy and ensure the MAHA Commission's actions and messages are rooted in credible science and risk-based analysis.
USCA also supported a congressional letter to the Administration, which cautions against the influence of anti-agriculture groups seeking to use the MAHA report to undermine the science-based regulatory framework that underpins modern farming. Signers of the congressional letter include Senators Grassley, Fischer, Hyde-Smith, Crapo, and Tillis, as well as Representatives Bacon, Downing, Flood, Hinson, and Yakym, among others.
These letters build on an earlier effort in April, when USCA collaborated with agricultural partners on a congressional sign-on letter to the MAHA Oversight Commission. That bipartisan letter, led by Senators Ricketts and Fischer and Representatives Feenstra and Alford, urged the Commission to adopt science- and risk-based principles in its recommendations. With USCA’s help, the letter secured 79 signatures from both chambers of Congress, including members from key canola-producing states such as Minnesota, Idaho, Montana and Washington. We commend these lawmakers for their leadership in championing science-driven public health policies that protect the future of American agriculture and help maintain a secure, affordable food supply.
Read the USCA letter: http://bit.ly/4lWA5an
Read the USCA-supported letter to the Administration: http://bit.ly/3ISTydd
Read the congressional sign-on letter to the MAHA Oversight Commission: http://bit.ly/45f16yz
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FY26 Ag Appropriations Bill Moves Forward with $2M for Alternative Crops, Including Canola
The Senate Agriculture Committee passed its FY26 Appropriations Bill in a unanimous 27-0 vote. Keep in mind that this was only the Senate passing it out of committee, and many obstacles remain to getting any FY26 Appropriations bills enacted.
The report accompanying the bill includes level funding of $2 million for the Supplemental & Alternative Crops (SAC) program under the National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA). The report also includes the language supporting canola.
“Supplemental and Alternative Crops.—The Committee recognizes the importance of nationally coordinated, regionally managed canola research and extension programs. The Committee encourages the Secretary to seek input from stakeholders and give priority consideration to proposals in the peer review process that address research needs in production areas with the greatest potential to expand, as well as those where canola production is established and needs to be maintained.”
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USDA Staffing/Reorganization Plan Released
Secretary Rollins released a memo outlining USDA’s reorganization plan. I’ve attached the full memorandum for your reference. The reorganization is intended to minimize reductions to frontline positions, including those in firefighting, inspection, and roles directly serving farmers and rural communities. No details were provided about which specific departments will move or to which hubs. Several D.C. area buildings would be vacated under this pillar, including the USDA South Building and the Beltsville ARS Center.
Pillar 1 focuses on aligning the USDA’s workforce with financial resources and priorities. USDA confirmed that 15,364 individuals accepted the deferred resignation offered in two phases this year. The USDA is not conducting large-scale workforce reductions but may implement targeted Reductions in Force (RIFs) if necessary. They will continue to use voluntary separation tools, including the Deferred Resignation Program, the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP).
Pillar 2 aims to reduce workforce size and salary costs. The USDA plans to relocate approximately 2,600 of the 4,600 employees currently based in Washington, D.C. Locality pay in D.C. is 33.94% higher than in other regions. The relocation, combined with expected attrition from employees choosing not to move, will contribute to further staff reductions.
The department aims to establish five regional hubs in:
- Raleigh, NC
- Kansas City, MO
- Indianapolis, IN
- Fort Collins, CO
- Salt Lake City, UT
Pillars 3 and 4 eliminate layers of management and consolidate support functions.
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U.S. Issues Tariff Notices to Global Partners Ahead of August 1 Deadline
The President has delayed the original April 2 tariff deadline. Letters are being sent to various countries outlining new tariffs, which will take effect on August 1 if a deal is not reached.
Those rates include a 15% tariff for Japan and the EU, while Korea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Tunisia, and Moldova are each at 25%. South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sri Lanka, Libya, Iraq, Algeria, the EU, and Mexico all face a 30% rate. Meanwhile, Laos and Myanmar top the list with 40%, closely followed by Bangladesh and Serbia at 35%, as well as Cambodia and Thailand at 36%. The Philippines and Indonesia have slightly lower rates at 19%, and the U.K. stands at just 10%. Brunei also sees a 25% rate. Notably, Brazil has been hit with a significant 50% rate, an action President Trump attributed to disappointment over the treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Canada, too, is affected with a 35% rate.
Trade agreements with Japan, the U.K., Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Additional Trade Developments:
- The President has announced a 35% tariff on Canadian imports and a 30% tariff on imports from Mexico beginning August 1, citing Canada/Mexico’s failure to address the fentanyl crisis adequately. While the posted letter does not specify how this applies to products covered under the USMCA, multiple sources have confirmed that such products will remain excluded from the tariff. The Section 232 tariffs will still apply to certain sectors, and the President also announced that transshipment tariffs will be imposed on goods entering the U.S. through Canada.
- The President also reiterated his dissatisfaction with the dairy provisions under USMCA. Earlier this month, the Canadian Parliament passed a law preventing the Prime Minister from negotiating dairy quotas, which is expected to become a major sticking point in upcoming USMCA negotiations.
- The President announced a 15 percent tariff floor, saying most countries would likely face a blanket tariff between 15 to 50 percent. He acknowledged that most will probably just pay the flat rate rather than reach a deal.
- At the AI Summit, President Trump said he was close to a deal with China.
- Additional tariffs announced include a 50 percent tariff on copper, which will take effect on August 1.
- The President also announced a Section 301 investigation into Brazil, with a hearing scheduled for September 3.
- The IEEPA case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit began on July 31.
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Trump nominates Callahan as USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator
On July 17, President Donald Trump nominated Julie Callahan to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative’s Chief Agricultural Negotiator. Callahan has worked at USTR since 2016, holding multiple roles in the Agricultural Affairs office. Since April 2020, she has served as the Assistant USTR for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy.
If confirmed, Callahan will lead negotiations with key trading partners on behalf of the U.S. agriculture sector.
Read the article from Successful Farming: https://bit.ly/41hSPbQ
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Field Research in Action: NDSU Trials Advance Canola Disease Management
In a recent TikTok video, USCA and Northern Canola Growers Association President Tim Mickelson visits Venkata Chapara, a plant pathologist at the NDSU Research Center in Langdon, ND. Funded by the Northern Canola Growers Association, Chapara demonstrates how he uses an irrigation system to simulate excess moisture in canola fields. This setup helps encourage disease development, particularly white mold, allowing him to better test and compare fungicides, including commercial products, new formulations, and biological options. The goal is to improve canola disease management through real-world, field-based research. The video also provides a brief glimpse of the irrigation setup and acknowledges the research team's efforts.
Watch on TikTok: https://bit.ly/4lOBa3H
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New Research Analyzes Future Growing Potential for Canola and Camelina
Researchers Quinlan and Goslee (2025) evaluated how two oilseed crops, canola (Brassica napus) and camelina (Camelina sativa), are likely to fare under projected climate change in the United States.
Key Findings: Current suitability: Canola outperforms camelina across much of the Northern Great Plains due to its preference for cooler, wetter, and more productive soils, while camelina thrives in warmer, drier, and lower-fertility environments
Future projections (2069–2073): Both crops face declines in environmental suitability under both moderate (450 ppm) and high (750 ppm) CO₂ emission scenarios. However, canola is projected to be more adversely affected—with declines of approximately 2.8–3.5% compared to camelina’s 2.3–2.4%—meaning camelina may retain comparatively greater resilience.
Regional shifts: The Northern Great Plains remain the core production area, but both crops are expected to see decreases there of up to 25%. Camelina, however, may expand suitability into the upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and southern Plains. Canola exhibits limited future potential outside its current range, with only slight gains in parts of the Southwest; however, overall suitability remains low.
Implications: Camelina’s intrinsic traits, drought tolerance, cold hardiness, and low-input requirements, may make it a more climate-resilient oilseed crop option than canola in a warming future.
These insights underscore the importance of breeding initiatives, policy support, and farmer engagement in pivoting toward more climate-smart cropping strategies.
Read the study here: https://bit.ly/4oa7JLa
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Major Brands Potentially Shifting Ingredients in Response to MAHA Movement
Under pressure from U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, Starbucks, and PepsiCo are either actively reformulating or exploring changes to popular products, despite scientific consensus showing no credible health risks from ingredients like canola oil. Starbucks is testing the removal of canola oil from menu items such as egg bites and sandwiches, and introducing avocado oil–based alternatives. PepsiCo is eliminating artificial dyes and flavors from Lay’s and Tostitos while potentially expanding their use of avocado and olive oil and other alternatives to canola and soybean oils. Both companies aim to enhance their “real food” appeal, though it ignores decades of evidence supporting the safety and nutritional value of canola oil.
Read articles about Starbucks:
Bloomberg: http://bit.ly/3U1rd73
The Seattle Times: http://bit.ly/44Vd
Oils & Fats International: https://bit.ly/3HdxOIB
Read articles about PepsiCo:
Reuters: http://bit.ly/44SHFg6
Oils & Fats International: https://bit.ly/3HaxYAsl
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New Study Dispels Myths About Seed Oils
A recent Men’s Health article takes a hard look at the growing backlash against seed oils and concludes that much of the fear is unfounded. Despite social media claims linking seed oils to inflammation and chronic illness, the article highlights expert consensus that seed oils, like canola, sunflower, and soybean, are rich in unsaturated fats and can support heart health when used in place of saturated fats. Dietitians interviewed for the piece emphasize that there’s no credible evidence to suggest that seed oils cause harm when consumed as part of a balanced diet. The article also emphasizes that it’s more important to focus on overall diet quality than to demonize individual ingredients like seed oils.
Read the articles from:
Men's Health: https://bit.ly/4kPwae5
ScienceDaily: https://bit.ly/3HbgVy7
Food Navigator Europe: https://bit.ly/45ilkYj
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Medically Reviewed Article Explains the Truth About Seed Oils
A medically reviewed article in RealSimple sets the record straight on seed oils, concluding there's no reason to panic about their use in cooking or packaged foods. While some concerns exist around their omega-6 content and tendency to oxidize, the article highlights that research shows no strong link between moderate seed oil consumption and chronic disease. Seed oils, such as canola and sunflower, offer cooking benefits, including a high smoke point and neutral flavor, and contain heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Experts recommend using them in moderation, favoring less-processed options when possible, and focusing more on limiting ultra-processed foods than avoiding seed oils altogether.
Read the RealSimple article: https://bit.ly/4lCeML7
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New Research Shows Omega‑6 Fats Are Anti‑Inflammatory, Not Harmful
An extensive cross-sectional analysis from the Framingham Offspring Study, published in Nutrients, measured blood levels of key omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid, in approximately 2,700 participants and examined their link with ten inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers. Contrary to the widespread belief that omega-6s fuel inflammation, individuals with the highest omega-6 levels showed lower levels of inflammatory markers, suggesting that these fats may be anti-inflammatory rather than pro-inflammatory.
The authors emphasize that reducing omega‑6 intake based on claims of toxicity lacks scientific support, and in fact, increasing these fats aligns more closely with healthful dietary recommendations.
Read the latest research published in Nutrients: http://bit.ly/3IUbZhW
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USDA Extends Sales Period for Canola and Rapeseed Crop Insurance Program in the Pacific Northwest
It's been a long road, but after working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture-RMA office in Spokane, receiving input from winter canola growers and insurance agents, and submitting letters to the regional and national RMA offices, we are pleased to share this news! The sales closing date will be moved from August 31 to September 30, effective with the 2026 crop year.
Many thanks to Ben Thiel, director of the regional RMA office in Spokane, for attending our annual meeting in January to share information, listen to our directors about the importance to canola growers of making this change, and encourage us to continue working together to reach this goal.
A news release from USDA-RMA about the policy change can be viewed here: https://tinyurl.com/2skuancu
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Canola Market Sees Shifts Amid Policy Changes and Crop Forecasts
Barry Coleman, executive director of the Northern Canola Growers Association, reports that the canola market began July strong, buoyed by positive EPA Renewable Volume Obligation proposals and favorable changes to the 45Z tax credit, especially the removal of an Indirect Land Use provision that had penalized canola and soybean oils. However, market optimism faded with forecasts of a large U.S. soybean crop and improved weather in Canada.
The USDA’s July Oil Crops Outlook projects reduced canola oil use for biofuels—3.2 billion pounds in 2024–25 and 3.5 billion in 2025–26—citing policy uncertainty. In contrast, food use is expected to climb to 4.7 billion pounds in 2025–26, despite a drop in May crush volumes. Strong domestic demand and reduced U.S. production are driving a rise in canola seed imports, and if projections hold, the 2025–26 crush could hit a record 4.9 billion pounds.
Read the Farm&Ranch Guide article: https://bit.ly/4milfdN
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Strong Canola Yields in Kansas Offer Insight for Future Growth
Kansas saw a strong canola harvest this year, thanks to ideal spring weather that boosted yields and reduced pest pressure. Kansas State University canola breeder Mike Stamm reported yields averaging 35–45 bushels per acre, with some fields pushing 50 or better. The season’s success provided valuable data for improving planting strategies, and K-State trials showed promising results from both hybrid and open-pollinated varieties, offering a roadmap for even greater performance in the future.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3HbCjn1
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Canola Seed Market Set for Strong Growth Through 2031
A recent OpenPR article highlights Market Research Intellect's report, which states that the global canola seed market is on track for robust expansion through 2031. Growth drivers include rising global demand for heart‑healthy canola oil, advances in seed breeding technologies (including high-yield and disease‑resistant varieties), and strengthening export markets. The Asia-Pacific and North American regions are leading the demand growth, supported by improved supply chains and technological collaboration between seed producers and ag-tech firms. Sustainability, food security, and innovation partnerships are expected to propel the market further.
Read the OpenPR article: https://bit.ly/45qyzay
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Australia Nears Canola Breakthrough with China
Australia appears close to breaking a five-year canola export freeze with China by agreeing to five trial shipments of Australian canola, enough to fill 150,000 to 250,000 tonnes, under a newly negotiated phytosanitary framework. The freeze, implemented in 2020, was prompted by Chinese concerns over blackleg disease and impurity levels. The new deal addresses these concerns by setting standards for less than 1% admixture, below Australia's typical threshold, and implementing measures to minimize contamination. This move coincides with China's decision to levy 100% tariffs on Canadian canola amid trade tensions, making Australia a critical alternative supplier. With China’s canola inventories at their lowest in years, the deal comes as harvest forecasts show a five‑year low output in Australia, much of which is already reserved for other markets. The agreement is unfolding during Prime Minister Albanese’s trip to China, suggesting that improving diplomatic ties could help finalize the deal.
Read the article from Reuters: http://bit.ly/4lTWeWT
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Louisiana Passes Landmark Ingredient Disclosure Law Targeting Seed Oils, Dyes and Additives
Louisiana has enacted a sweeping new food law, Act No. 463 (formerly Senate Bill 14), aimed at banning and disclosing dozens of food additives, including seed oils, synthetic dyes and sweeteners. Starting in 2028, public and state-funded schools will be prohibited from serving meals containing 15 specified ingredients, including artificial colors like Red 40 and Yellow 5, as well as sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose. The law also mandates QR code labeling on retail food products that contain over 40 flagged ingredients and requires restaurant menus to disclose the use of seed oils such as canola, soybean and sunflower oil. Touted by the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative, has drawn praise from supporters of food transparency but also criticism from food industry experts who argue it oversimplifies complex food safety regulations. Similar legislation has recently been passed in states such as Texas, Arizona and California.
Read the articles from:
FoodSafety Magazine: https://bit.ly/45sVwK8
Food Business News: https://bit.ly/4l5CWfI
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U.S. Biofuel and Oilseed Industries Applaud Passage of Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act”
U.S. biofuel and oilseed stakeholders welcomed the enactment on July 4, 2025, of President Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” viewing it as a significant win for farmers and rural communities. The legislation extends the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit through 2029. It narrows eligibility to feedstocks grown in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, excluding imports like Chinese used cooking oil, to prioritize domestic soy and canola processing. It also eliminates indirect land-use change (ILUC) from greenhouse gas accounting and boosts the small biodiesel producer credit to $0.20 per gallon (from $0.10), retroactively extending through 2026. However, it rescinds the higher subsidy rate for sustainable aviation fuel, capping it at $1/gallon instead of $1.75/gallon. Industry leaders said the new policy framework gives greater investment certainty and enhances U.S. biofuels energy leadership
Read the Oil & Fats International article: https://bit.ly/4o4Nxu6
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Share Your Story with the USDA
Secretary Rollins and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are inviting farmers, ranchers, and producers from across the country to share their stories through short video submissions. This is a great opportunity to highlight your passion for agriculture and the barley industry. The USDA will feature selected videos on its digital channels to showcase them.
The video should be approximately. 60 seconds and filmed vertically. Suggested questions you can answer include where your farm is located, what you grow or raise, and what inspires you to farm.
Videos are being accepted on a rolling basis and can be submitted here: https://bit.ly/43EN8Fg
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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 acreage grow from virtually zero to about 2 million. To learn more about USCA, go to: www.UScanola.com
Want to promote your products or services to canola producers and industry members? Visit our advertising pages to find specs, deadlines and rates to advertise in the Canola Quick Bytes monthly e-newsletter.
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