Rapeseed/canola is now well established as a major Global Crop with production spread across several geographical regions and products supplying important global markets for high quality oil and protein. Once known as the 'Cinderella crop' in the 1960's and 1970's it has expanded to become the second largest oilseed crop, now nudging 70 million tonnes of grain per year, and becoming the third largest source of food oils. 

This spectacular rise has been driven by breakthrough R&D and continuous innovation from an expanding global network of crop scientists, agriculturalists, and processing sector experts. Rapeseed production continues to see growth in both area and productivity, and nowhere is this more evident than in Australia. Australian canola production reached a record high of over 6 million tonnes in 2021/22, with the majority being exported, firmly establishing Australia as a major supplier for the rapidly expanding global market.

During this period, value adding of canola in Australia has also grown with substantial investment in expanding capacity of existing processing plants and constructing new facilities. IRC-2023 is a great opportunity to witness this expanding Australian industry and for Sponsors to showcase their contributions to the global rapeseed industry.