best practice management guide for south-eastern Australia - Grains ...

Introduction
1998–2008, Australian canola production has averaged around
1.4 million tonnes per annum, ranging from 512,000 tonnes to
2.46 million tonnes. In 2009 this was worth about $700 million
(farm-gate value) to the Australian economy.
The total Australian oilseed crush capacity is about
1.1 million tonnes, with much of this in the eastern states.
Between 550,000 and 650,000 tonnes of canola are
crushed annually, with the main export markets for surplus
seed being Japan, Pakistan Bangladesh, China and the
European Union.
The vast majority of canola oil is used in the food industry;
about one-third in spreads and cooking oil and about twothirds
in the commercial food service sector. About 20–25
per cent of Australian canola oil is exported. Canola meal,
the main by-product of crushed canola, is used as a high
protein feed for intensive livestock, mainly in the pig, poultry
and dairy industries.
The challenge for growers and the industry over the next
few years will be to continue to improve productivity by
adopting best practice management and being responsive
to climate variability to ensure a stable supply of high quality
oilseed for domestic and international markets. Figure 1.1
shows the variability in total Australian canola production and
in the three south-eastern states (Victoria, New South Wales
and South Australia).
6 Canola best practice management guide