National Research Council Canada: Canada-China Partnership Aims to Increase Oil Yield of Canola

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, Aug 05 (MARKET WIRE) --
The National Research Council Canada (NRC) and the Oil Crops Research
Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences have signed an
agreement to collaborate on genetic research to improve the production of
canola. Over the next five years, the Oil Crops Research Institute will
contribute $300,000 in cash and the NRC Plant Biotechnology Institute
(NRC-PBI) will contribute $210,000 worth of facilities and analytical
resources to complete the first project under this agreement.

Dr. Roman Szumski, NRC's Vice-President, Life Sciences, visited the Oil
Crops Research Institute last week to strengthen ties between both
research organizations and to exchange information.

"This is a historic event where, for the first time, China is investing
directly in agricultural research in Canada to advance a crop important
to both countries," said Dr. Szumski. "This collaboration will help
Canada and China develop higher yielding canola, increasing both our
countries' reputations for scientific excellence in agricultural research
and creating a competitive advantage for Canadian and Chinese
agricultural producers."

"This agreement makes eminent sense, given that Canada is where canola
was developed," said Dr. Han-zhong Wang, Director of the Oil Crops
Research Institute. "Food and energy shortages are an escalating problem
and increasing canola productivity is something that can help these
global issues."

The first project to be undertaken under this agreement is to complete
genomics work on canola to identify genes that affect yield and
adaptation to various environmental stresses.

Recognized globally for research and innovation, the National Research
Council Canada (NRC) is a leader in the development of an innovative,
knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology.
NRC-PBI conducts collaborative plant biotechnology research with
universities, government agencies and industry, translating research into
commercial products for the environmental and health benefits of
Canadians. Visit http://www.pbi.ibp.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca for more information.

The Oil Crops Research Institute is one of China's leading centres for
canola research and for the development of elite rapeseed germplasm. The
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) represents China's most
important national agricultural research organization, directly
affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture. CAAS has a strategic task of
serving nation-wide agricultural and rural development and empowering
farmers with science and technology. Visit OCRI's website at
http://www.oilcrops.com.cn for more information.

For more information, please visit NRC's Web site at
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

Contacts:
National Research Council Canada
Plant Biotechnology Institute
Royal Hinther
Head, Business Development
306-975-5568
Royal.Hinther@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

National Research Council Canada
Natalie Hall
Media Relations Officer
613-990-6091
Natalie.Hall@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Copyright 2008, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

-0-