Telling the Canola Story: Turning Misinformation into Meaningful Conversations
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By Louise Labonte
Public Engagement & Promotions Coordinator, Alberta Canola
In an age of growing misinformation, whether fueled by social media, political narratives, or global uncertainty, being prepared to engage in honest and respectful dialogue is more important than ever. Misinformation about canola and agriculture can be especially frustrating for those who depend on it for their livelihood, but it also presents an opportunity: a chance to educate, connect, and build trust.
According to the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s Public Trust Research from 20231, farmers are the most trusted stakeholders in Canada’s food system.
This finding has been consistent across multiple years of the center’s research, which surveys thousands of Canadians annually to gauge public sentiment toward various parts of the agri-food system. Despite rising concerns over food costs and affordability, trust in farmers has remained steady.
A separate government-backed survey from the AgriCommunication Initiative Baseline Survey2, conducted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, found that 73% of Canadians trust Canada’s farmers and ranchers, reinforcing their position as one of the most trusted professional groups in the country.
As a grower, one of the many hats you wear is that of a storyteller. Your voice matters. While not every conversation will change minds — some people simply enjoy debates, and it’s important to know when to engage and when to walk away. Staying positive and focused on education helps protect your energy and keeps the message clear.
One of the most effective ways to counter misinformation is by sharing the story of canola itself. For example, when someone says rapeseed oil is unhealthy due to high erucic acid levels, you could respond: “That’s true for traditional rapeseed oil, but that’s exactly why canola was developed – the unhealthy characteristics, like erucic acid, were bred out through traditional plant breeding. In fact, the name ‘canola” is a contraction of CANadian Oil Low Acid.” This approach validates their concern while providing accurate information and highlighting the innovation behind canola.
Science is on our side, but social media often distorts it. That’s why it’s important to remind people that canola oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils available, and it’s grown right here in Canada. It’s the number one cooking oil used in Canada and Japan, and the second most used in the United States.
Effective communication begins with empathy. Meeting people where they are, listening to their concerns, and acknowledging their sources of information is key. Simply telling someone they’re wrong rarely leads to understanding — it often deepens resistance. Instead, validating their perspective while offering facts creates space for learning and opens the door
to meaningful conversation.
Events like the Calgary Stampede offer a powerful platform to do just that. They allow us to clarify misconceptions, explain the difference between canola and rapeseed, highlight canola’s health benefits, and showcase the stewardship and sustainability practices of Canadian growers. Canola is more than just a
crop — it contributes $44 billion to the Canadian economy, underlining its importance not only to agriculture but to the country. Visitors to our booth at the Calgary Stampede weren’t just looking for answers, they were seeking connection. Time and again, they left feeling informed and appreciative — not only of the facts, but of the care and commitment behind the food they eat.
HOW TO RESPOND TO MISINFORMATION
Turn misinformation into meaningful dialogue — one fact at a time.
These facts are backed by decades of research and global use and recognition. Sharing them helps reinforce the value of canola — not just as a crop, but as a cornerstone of healthy living and sustainable agriculture
And remember, you’re not alone. Whether you need research-backed information, talking points, or help navigating tough conversations, Alberta Canola has your back with facts, tools, and support. Together, we can ensure that the story of canola is heard, understood, and appreciated.
MYTH: “Canola is toxic.”
TRUTH: Canola oil is one of the safest, most studied oils.
Canola oil’s health benefits speak for themselves:
- Lowest saturated fat of all cooking oils (7%)
- Omega-6 polyunsaturated fat: 19%
- Highest omega-3 among culinary oils: 9%
- Monounsaturated fat: 62%
- Zero trans fat
- Zero cholesterol
MYTH: “Canola is just rapeseed.”
TRUTH: They are not the same. Canola was traditionally bred in Canada from rapeseed to be safe and nutritious.
Most notably, modern canola is defined by its known low erucic acid content (generally less than 0.02%).
Canola has much lower levels of erucic acid and glucosinolates – the characteristics that make rapeseed undesirable. To meet the official definition of canola, the plant must produce oil containing less than 2% erucic acid.
MYTH: “GMOs are dangerous.”
TRUTH: Innovative plant breeding technologies reduce the need for pesticides and produce safe, healthy food.
According to Health Canada, “Internationally, scientists have concluded that GM foods pose no more risk to human health than non-GM foods. In fact, GM foods are subject to a far higher level of regulatory oversight and scientific requirements than traditional organisms consumed as food. Health Canada has been assessing GM foods for more than 20 years. As of 2019, over 140 genetically modified (GM) foods have been permitted for sale in Canada.
TO DATE:
- “All of the GM foods we have reviewed are as safe and nutritious as non-GM foods.”
- “We have not found any verifiable scientific evidence that shows GM foods are less safe than traditional varieties.”
- “We have not found a study that caused us to change our conclusions about any assessed GM food product.”
MYTH: “Canola is bad for bees.”
TRUTH: Canola fields provide food and habitat for pollinators.
As canola production in Canada grew to all-time highs, the number of honey bee colonies in Canada also reached near-record levels. According to Statistics Canada, in 2024, there were more than 829,000 honey bee colonies Canada-wide – up from 600,000 in 2000.
MYTH: “Canola oil causes inflammation.”
TRUTH: The short answer is “no”, but this one certainly requires some explanation.
Read more at HelloCanola.ca from Abbey Sharp, a registered dietitian (RD), who’s become one of the most trusted Canadian voices in food and nutrition.
1 Canadian Centre for Food Integrity, retrieved September 5, 2025. www.foodintegrity.ca/research
2 AgriCommunication Initiative baseline survey. (2024). Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Retrieved September 5, 2025, from AgriCommunication Initiative baseline survey – agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/consumer-trends- and-behaviours/agricommunication-initiative-baseline-survey