H.R. 2858: Winter Canola Study Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Winter Canola Study Act of 2025, aims to enhance the research and development of winter canola crops and their role in sustainable agriculture. The bill outlines several key objectives and findings, primarily focusing on the economic and environmental benefits of winter canola production.

Objectives of the Bill

The purposes of the bill are:

• To promote the growth of clean and sustainable feedstocks by developing new crop insurance products that accommodate double-cropping systems.
• To highlight the importance of winter canola as a rotational or double-crop and recognize its economic and environmental contributions to farmers.
• To invest in lower carbon-intensity renewable fuels produced from winter canola, contributing to job creation, enhancing rural communities, and bolstering national security.

Findings of the Congress

The bill also includes findings that winter canola:

• Improves farm economics by providing an additional source of income for farmers.
• Serves as a renewable energy feedstock suitable for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and jet biofuel.
• Significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fuels.
• Can expand production to meet increased renewable fuel demands without requiring new farmland.

Research and Development Requirements

The bill mandates amendments to the Federal Crop Insurance Act to include winter canola and rapeseed under the double and rotational cropping policies. This includes:

• Defining covered oilseed crops that need cold temperatures (vernalization) before producing seeds and are planted on otherwise idle land.
• Tasking the Corporation to conduct or contract research on these covered crops to evaluate:
• The costs and availability of crop insurance.
• The potential risk management benefits for soil health and farm profitability.

Support for Supplemental and Alternative Crops

The bill also amends the Food and Agriculture Act to allow for research on supplemental and alternative crops, specifically mentioning winter rapeseed and canola. This would allocate $10 million each year from 2024 through 2029 for this research effort.

Reporting Requirements

Finally, the bill requires the Corporation to submit a report to Congress within 13 months after its enactment. This report will detail the findings from the research on winter canola and offer recommendations based on the results.

Relevant Companies

• ADM (Archer-Daniels-Midland Company): A major player in agricultural commodities, ADM could experience changes in demand for winter canola oil as a biofuel feedstock.
• CARG (Cargo Alliance): This company's operations may be affected by increased production and utilization of winter canola in renewable fuel markets.
• SYCT (Syngenta AG): Engaged in agricultural products, they may benefit from research on canola varieties tailored for double cropping systems.