Since the early 1980’s, the proportion of Canadian grains and oilseed production processed for food and industrial products has grown from 12% to 25%. Most recently, that trend is accelerating.

Changes in global markets are spurring large new investments in domestic processing of Canadian crops. These investments are providing additional processing capacity, either through new builds or expansions to existing facilities. This growth in the processing industry – whether in oilseed crushing, biofuel or other industries – is large enough to cause a monumental shift in the agricultural landscape. While the expansion is positive for increasing the value of Canadian crops, major structural changes to the industry also will be required.

The goal of this study is to determine the implications of an expanded domestic agricultural processing industry on Canadian agriculture and agribusiness. The key emphases will be on the transportation and handling networks, grain and oilseed endusers, exporters, livestock feeders and related industries.

For the transportation sector, the research will examine the anticipated volumes, modes, origins and destinations in order to provide projected product flows in Canada. For endusers and exporters, the study will analyze and project future demand and supply situations. Projections of feedgrain and co-product supplies will be provided for the livestock industry. Implications for these industries and related sectors will be discussed. Products covered by the study will include grains and oilseeds along with co-products, particularly oil, meal and distillers’ grain, of the various processing industries.

The entire prospectus and enrollment in pdf form