Strong legislation would study viability of growing winter canola in North Alabama

WASHINGTON — To help provide a more robust market for area farmers and, in effect, boosting rural communities, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong introduced legislation today urging a study on growing winter canola.

Strong (R-Huntsville) with Reps. David Kustoff (R-Tenn.) and Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), introduced the Winter Canola Study Act. The bill would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency to study the gap in crop insurance coverage for double-crop grown winter oilseeds, such as canola.

“The Winter Canola Study Act would give North Alabama farmers crucial new information and broaden the opportunity to plant winter canola as an alternative double crop option,” said Strong. “I am proud to work on behalf of farmers by joining Representative Kustoff and my colleagues in introducing this legislation.

“This research would help create a more competitive market for farmers while supporting the hard work they do to provide our food, fiber, and fuel.”

The bill recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of double-crop grown canola and emphasizes the importance of investing in these oilseeds to provide a local economic boost while strengthening energy security.

“America’s farmers keep our economy going by putting food on the shelves and fuel in our tanks,” said Kustoff. “By allowing our farmers to plant winter canola in the off season, the Winter Canola Study Act will expand opportunities for growers and producers across the nation.”