Bayer officially opened its new Canola Seed Production Site in Cranbrook on September 20, hosting more than 100 people, including representatives from the Ktunaxa Nation, local government, Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce, strategic partners, and Bayer leaders from across Canada and the US.

“We are proud of the fact that virtually all canola parent seed grown for Bayer and its seed partners originates from this production site,” said Joerg Lehmann, Cranbrook Site Lead. “This was an important step to ensure Bayer can continue to supply top-quality canola seed to farmers in Canada and the US.”

Bayer and its predecessors first started producing canola seed in the Kootenays in 1996. The unique local geography, climate, and remote field locations allow Bayer to isolate canola seed and produce only the highest quality seeds for farmers.

“We invested in the site because we believe Bayer can provide farmers with innovative, industry-leading Canola technology and products,” said Al Driver, Country Division Head, Crop Science Canada. “With 22 million acres in Canada, canola has established itself as the largest crop in the Canadian prairies, and we need to keep up to the demand. It’s a critical crop in the global commodity markets, and one of the most versatile, healthy, low- in-saturated-fat cooking oils. Canola meal is also a staple in the animal feed industry, and an emerging use is processing Canola oil into low-carbon biofuels.”

The Cranbrook site employs 15 people year-round and up to 23 in the summer. Roles include seed technicians, production managers, safety and quality technicians, and operations coordinators.

An integral component of the new facility includes outreach activities for the local community. Known as the “Pizza Farm,” the Bayer Cranbrook site has worked in the past with local school and community groups to educate children about agriculture. The new Bayer location contains a large garden area to showcase how vegetables are grown and will allow local school and community groups to visit and interact with the garden.

All food that is produced will be donated to the local Cranbrook Food Bank.

Bayer’s field sites in the Kootenays use drip irrigation systems that save water and greatly increase irrigation efficiency. Drip irrigation tape gets recycled at season’s end. Cover crops are used to improve soil health, reduce erosion, increase organic matter, and soil fertility.

The Bayer team is using integrated pest management methods, and considers all options for control of weeds, insects and diseases. The new site also includes a comprehensive recycling program for a variety of different materials.

Lead image: At left, Bayer QMS Technician Mackenzie Hawke with Seed Technician Gordon Harder, helping open the Cranbrook Bayer site. Photo submitted

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