About the PNW Canola Association

The PNWCA is a grower-led organization representing canola producers and industry members across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington — advancing education, research, and policy since 2017.

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About the PNWCA

What Is the PNW Canola Association?

The Pacific Northwest Canola Association is a member-driven trade organization connecting canola producers, crop consultants, input suppliers, processors, and university researchers across the Pacific Northwest. The association was incorporated in July 2017 and represents its members at the U.S. Canola Association.

Canola has been grown commercially in the Pacific Northwest since the early 1990s. In an area historically dominated by cereal crops, the PNWCA exists to build the research, education, and policy infrastructure that makes canola a reliable rotation choice for PNW growers.

2017 Year Founded
4 States Represented

Our Mission:

"To grow the canola industry in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington through education, advocacy, and policy."

Map of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana

Four States, One Voice

The PNWCA represents canola growers and industry members in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The board of directors includes producer representation from all four states, ensuring that regional growing conditions, market realities, and policy priorities are reflected at both the state and federal level.

Canola farming across the Pacific Northwest spans diverse cropping systems — from dryland spring canola in eastern Washington to winter canola rotations in Idaho and Montana. The association's research and education programs address the specific agronomic and market conditions growers face in each state.

Where Canola is Grown
  • 1950s–70s

    Canola Is Developed

    Canadian researchers Dr. Baldur R. Stefansson and Dr. Keith Downey developed canola through traditional plant breeding, reducing glucosinolates and erucic acid in rapeseed. The name "canola" — from "Canada Oil Low Acid" — was registered in 1979.

  • 1985–88

    Canola Arrives in the U.S.

    The U.S. granted GATT status to canola in 1985, and the name was approved for the 1988 harvest. Pacific Northwest growers had been growing industrial rapeseed for over a century — now canola had a recognized identity.

  • 1991–2001

    Early Growth and Setback

    Intermountain Canola promoted contracts to PNW growers beginning in 1991, sparking enough momentum to form the PNW Rapeseed and Canola Association. When Intermountain withdrew after variety underperformance, the association dissolved in 2001.

  • 2012

    Western Oregon Organizes

    The Willamette Valley Oilseed Producers Association formed to support canola expansion in western Oregon, where grass seed farmers welcome canola as a broadleaf rotation crop.

  • 2017

    PNWCA Incorporated

    In June 2017, 30 growers, industry representatives, and university faculty met in Richland, WA to assess the viability of a new association. The Pacific Northwest Canola Association was incorporated in July 2017, with a four-state board of directors and an executive director hired shortly after.

Farmers inspecting large planter in dry field
Three farmers examining crop samples in field

Education, Advocacy, & Policy

Since its inception, the PNW Canola Association has provided a consistent investment in research, field tours, and educational workshops to build acceptance of canola as a viable rotation crop across the Pacific Northwest.

Strengthen Regional Ties

Build and maintain connections between producers, industry partners, universities, and government agencies across Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Fund Research and Education

Secure additional funding for canola research and deliver practical education through field tours, workshops, and publications.

Advocate for Better Policy

Lobby for policies and legislation that support canola growers at the state and regional level, including crop insurance equity and market access.

Represent PNW Growers Nationally

Provide a strong voice in Washington, D.C. on behalf of canola producers across the four-state region at U.S. Canola Association meetings and beyond.

Join the PNW Canola Association

Everyone Benefits.
Not Everyone Contributes.

You use the research. You benefit from the advocacy. For less than the price of 500 lbs of seed, you can be one of the canola growers who makes it all possible.

Join Today
Two people examining canola plant in field