Keith Downey describes how the development of canola from rape-seed oil diversified Canada’s agriculture base, eliminated dependence on imported vegetable oil and increased returns to producers while expanding markets at home and abroad. It resulted also in the establishment of a large rural-based, value-added oilseed-crushing and -refining industry. The story continues in that canola is a preferred biodiesel source for northern climates because of its low content of saturated fatty acids. Canola development continues, to better meet user needs.