Canadian Oats Help Soothe Sensitive Skin

Novel malting process opens new markets for oats

Edmonton, Alberta, May 4, 2012 - A new technology developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientists and put in practice by Edmonton-based biotechnology company Ceapro Inc. will help open new market opportunities for Canadian oat farmers. Member of Parliament James Rajotte (Edmonton-Leduc), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today that the Government of Canada has signed a technology licensing agreement with Ceapro Inc. that will see Canadian oats used to create ingredients for skin care and health products.

"Moving research innovation from the lab to practical application in the marketplace is key in keeping our economy moving forward and creating long-term prosperity for Canadians," said MP Rajotte. "Today's agreement is a great example of public research benefiting economic development and innovation in the private sector."

Discovered and named by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada scientist Dr. F. William Collins roughly 25 years ago, avenanthramides are naturally occurring polyphenols with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties, and they explain why oatmeal baths are soothing to itchy skin. The molecules are found only in oats, and in very small quantities, which has previously limited their commercial application. The new technology increases the levels of molecules that can be extracted, which greatly increases production and cost efficiency.

"We are very excited that Agriculture Canada has determined that Ceapro has the ability to rapidly commercialize this technology," said David Fielder, Ceapro's Chief Scientific Officer. "It will be a game changer for Ceapro, putting us in a position to produce the much larger volumes needed to supply new markets and attract the right partners."

The Government of Canada is building on its record of investing in agricultural innovation and improving technology transfer to better respond to sector needs and to help Canadian producers benefit from cutting-edge science and technology.

For more information about research conducted at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, please visit www.agr.gc.ca.

For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Branko Jankovic
Chief Financial Officer
Ceapro Inc.
780-917-8376
info@ceapro.com

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