Demand for Nexera canola is expected to dramatically increase due to the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement requiring food manufacturers to list trans-fats on the Nutrition Facts panel on packaged food by 2006.

Locally grown in Western Canada, only Nexera* canola makes Natreon* canola oil which is naturally stable without hydrogenation and is virtually trans-fat free.

"We expect the demand for Natreon canola oil, and contracted Nexera canola acres to significantly increase," says David Dzisiak, Dow AgroSciences Marketing Director. The increased demand in North America combined with continued growth in the Japanese market for improved oil functionality will create a very significant market opportunity for growers to partner in supplying a specific quality trait for our end-use customers. The timing of the demand increase is perfectly aligned with Dow AgroSciences" launch of Nexera 800 Brand canola. This canola will meet the new oil demand opportunity, offers exceptional yield and deliver the CLEARFIELD Production System, altogether in one.

Dow AgroSciences notes that the recent trans-fat labelling announcement will require food manufacturers to use healthy character-trait oils, like Natreon canola oil, in packaged foods and in food service systems.

Hydrogenating oils for longer shelf life and heat stability causes trans-fats. Hydrogenated oils are currently used in the majority of crackers, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods, salad dressings and other processed foods. The new trans-fat labelling requirement will allow consumers to select non-hydrogenated products and reduce the intake of trans-fats. Food manufacturers will respond by switching to Natreon-quality canola oil. The need for an alternative oil is a significant growth opportunity for canola.

Consuming trans-fats are sites as an important risk factor in Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), the #1 cause of death in North America. Nearly 13 million Americans suffer from coronary heart disease, and more than 500,000 people die each year from causes related to coronary heart disease.

Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. provides solutions in crop protection and plant genetics for Canadian growers, ranchers, foresters and industrial vegetation managers. With over 150 employees throughout Canada, Dow AgroSciences is headquartered in Calgary with regional offices in Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg and London. For more information on Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. and their products, visit www.dowagro.ca.

Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow AgroSciences LLC, a global company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dow AgroSciences LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Michigan.

^{*Trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC}

Media Contact:
Stan Audette, Communications Manager
Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc.
Phone (403) 735-8861 or E-mail saudette@dow.com