Felda's canola venture laudable

KUALA LUMPUR: Felda's decision to venture into the canola business in Canada has been described as laudable and will expand Malaysia's presence into the oils and fats industry.

"I am impressed with Felda's bold decision to get into the industry. Felda is known for palm oil and the industry's development. Entry into the canola business will strengthen its presence further in the oils and fats market," said Hulu Selangor MP P. Kamalanathan after a visit to the plant.

Canola, an acronym for Canadian oil low acid canola, is from the rapeseed family with low erucia acid. Its seeds are used to produce edible oil and is also suitable for bio-diesel.

The business, TRT ETGO du Quebec Inc, held via Felda's commercial arm, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV), has made a good impact in the Canola industry in Canada, said Kamalanthan.

TRT ETGO is a canola seed and soybean crushing plant, with palm oil blending capabilities for both types of oil.

"I think they could be among the leaders in the industry right now," he said, adding that the success of the business was evident from the viability of Felda's commercial venture.

FGV has also expanded its canola plantation to 40,000 hectares from 10,000 hectares when the business was acquired in 2007. The figure is expected to grow further.

Kamalanathan said he was proud to see the entire plant managed by Malaysians.

He said the venture into the canola business would help FGV expand Felda's presence in North America's oils and fats market.

Going forward, Kamalanathan said the government should assist Felda to venture into oil palm plantation which had a huge potential in Brazil.

"I would put in a proposal for the government to consider," he added.

Source: MOLE