Top officials with Cargill, Viterra, and Bunge got together last week to discuss the opportunities and obstacles for canola in the next 25 years.

The group was invited to a panel discussion at the Canola Council of Canada's Annual Convention in Winnipeg.

Cargill Limited President Jeff Vassart was asked if he thinks pulse crops, such as soybeans, will take over acres from canola.

"The great thing about Canadian farmers is they respond to market signals, and will grow what there is demand for and so I think that will really drive what the acreage base looks like over time," he said. "Clearly advancements in genetics, not only in canola, but in other crops like soybeans and pulses does mean that farmers have a lot of good options in front of them."

Vassart notes the key for the canola industry will be to understand what consumers are looking for in oil characteristics, adding he thinks the industry is well positioned going forward.