You’ll never believe how far KaleOil has come!

Hi my name is Dave Zak and I’m trying to turn the idea of ‘KaleOil’ into a business that makes money. Follow along as I stumble in and out of roadblocks, bad ideas a (hopefully) big wins! Please contact me if you want to help! It’s fun! 1-905-999-9941

David Zak standing with the Kale Oil project early 2023

It is early 2023 and I felt the need for a re-cap update on this side-project. I can’t get it out of my mind. KaleOil is fun to think about.

So,

I sold out! Quickly. I can’t get enough seed to meet the demand for Kale Oil.

Raw unfiltered cold-pressed Vates (aka Scottish Blue Curled) Kale Seed Oil has sold-out to companies that manufacture skin care products for businesses. They are called: ‘Private Labellers’ or ‘Contract Manufacturers’. People are asking manufacturers for Kale Oil as an ingredient (note: it is high in Vitamin A which includes Retinol and BetaCaratine.)!

This is not the market I want to sell to, but they are finding me because of my early SEO efforts (note: this is how you start a new business… put WORDS on the internet consistently).

I want to develop my own KaleOil branded cosmetic product. Selling that product is where I believe the gold is. I will save this for a future blog on KaleOil.com. I have pulled out the project that has been stored up on the side while I focus on my other business, ArtResin.com surviving the after-effects of the Covid pandemic.

Anyways, here is an update:

MAIN ROADBLOCK

Seed supply.

Not enough Kale seed in Canada.

Need to learn how to import seeds and from who/where.

Seed imports over 1 lbs need to be registered with the government. Let’s figure that out! I need hundreds of pounds to start.

TESTING KALE VARIETIES FOR OIL CONCENTRATION

I was contacted by a fairly local farmer in Southern ON. He grows many varieties on Kale. We are not sure exactly how we can work together but there is talk of testing the oil content of many varieties of Kale to select the one with the highest oil concentration.

Here are the tips of the Kale crop, alive and well under Canadian snow. In the spring they will go to seed!

MY CROPS!

I measured out thectest field we planted in Spring 2022. It is about 50’ x 40’ (= 2,000 ft2)

1 acre is 208.7’ x 208.7’ = (43,560 ft2)

So I only planted 4.6% on an acre! Wow I thought I planted an acre. I grew up in subdivisions so forgive my land size ignorance… the kale patch seems huge to me!

For some reason the Kale didn’t grow very large but I am still hopeful for seeds this spring. Spring 2023 I’d like to plant a second test field. Kale goes to seed every other year so ideally I want 2 rotating yearly crops. One goes to seed this year, the other field goes to seed the next year.

I’ll check back in with this crop in the Spring when I expect to have nice yellow flowers on the Kale :)

PRODUCT DEV

Coming to a blog soon!

BINS

Here is the Kale Oil project:

Time to dust it off, sort, strategize and attack! Sorry babe, I am taking over the front half of the gym.

THANK YOU ALL-POWERFUL AI FOR THE HELP :)

There were a few problems I needed to solve. So I ask ChatGBT for a little help. This is a great use-case example of how powerful ChatGBT is:

1) What country supplies Kale Vegetable seeds in bulk

CHATGBT: It may vary depending on the time of year and market demand. However, many countries, including the United States, Canada, and European countries such as the Netherlands and Germany, are known to be major producers and exporters of vegetable seeds, including kale.

2) How do you ship seeds into Canada?

CHATGBT: Seeds can be shipped into Canada through various methods, including by mail or courier, or by commercial cargo carrier.

When shipping seeds by mail or courier, it is important to ensure that the seeds are properly packaged and labeled. The package should be clearly labeled with the scientific and common names of the seed, as well as the name and address of the sender. Additionally, a phytosanitary certificate may be required, which is a document issued by the government of the country of origin certifying that the seeds are free from harmful pests and diseases.

When shipping seeds by commercial cargo carrier, the process is similar, but the requirements may be more stringent. The seeds will have to be shipped in accordance with regulations set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). The importer will have to provide a phytosanitary certificate, and the shipment may need to be inspected by the CFIA upon arrival in Canada.

It is important to check with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) for the most up-to-date regulations and requirements for importing seeds into Canada.

3) List companies that sell bulk kale seeds

CHATGBT: Here are a few companies that sell bulk kale seeds:

Johnny's Selected Seeds - Offers a wide variety of kale seed varieties, including Lacinato, Red Russian, and Dwarf Blue Curled.
Burpee Seeds - Offers a selection of kale seed varieties, including Toscano, Dwarf Blue Curled, and Premier.
Seed Savers Exchange - Offers heirloom and open-pollinated kale seed varieties, including Russian Red, White Russian, and White Rib.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds - Offers a wide variety of heirloom kale seed varieties, including Dwarf Blue Curled, Red Russian, and Lacinato.
High Mowing Organic Seeds - Offers a selection of organic kale seed varieties, including Red Russian, Lacinato, and Dwarf Blue Curled.
Seeds of Change - Offers a variety of organic kale seed varieties, including Red Russian, Lacinato, and Dwarf Blue Curled.

These are just a few examples of companies that sell bulk kale seeds, there may be more companies offering this service depending on the location. It is important to check the reviews and reputation of the company before placing an order.

4) Do seeds contain more oil the longer they are left to germinate?

CHATGBT: Seeds do not contain more oil the longer they are left to germinate. The oil content of a seed is determined by its genetic makeup and is not affected by the length of time it takes to germinate.

During germination, the seed uses stored energy, including carbohydrates and fats, to begin growth. The seed will also absorb water and nutrients from the soil, which can affect its weight and size, but it does not affect the oil content.

The oil content of a seed can vary widely depending on the species and variety of the plant, with some seeds containing as much as 50% oil by weight, while others have less than 10%. Some of the oil-rich seeds include sunflower, flax, sesame and pumpkin seeds.

It's important to note that the oil content of a seed is not the same as the oil yield of the plant that the seed will grow into. The oil yield of a plant is affected by many factors, including the variety of the plant, the growing conditions, and the method of oil extraction.

5) How and when do I harvest Kale seeds?

CHATGBT: Kale is a biennial plant, which means it takes two years to complete its life cycle. In the first year, the plant grows leaves and establishes a strong root system. In the second year, it will produce flowers and seeds.

The best time to harvest kale seeds is when the seed pods have turned brown and dry, and the seeds inside have also turned brown. This usually occurs in the late summer or early fall.

To harvest the seeds, cut the seed heads off the plant and place them in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry further. Once dry, you can rub the seed heads between your hands to release the seeds. It's a good idea to wear gloves as the seed pods can be prickly.

Alternatively, you can also wait for the seed pods to dry on the plant and collect them as they fall to the ground. Then you can store them in a dry and cool place.

Before planting the seeds, you should clean them by removing any chaff or debris. Then, you should test the viability of the seeds by doing a germination test, which will give you an idea of how many of the seeds will germinate and grow into plants.

6) what steps do I need to complete in order to import vegetable seeds into Canada?

CHATGBT: To import vegetable seeds into Canada, you will need to complete the following steps:

Check regulations and requirements: Before importing vegetable seeds into Canada, you will need to check the regulations and requirements set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). These agencies are responsible for ensuring that imported seeds are free from harmful pests and diseases and that they meet Canadian import standards.
Obtain a Phytosanitary certificate: A phytosanitary certificate is a document issued by the government of the country of origin certifying that the seeds are free from harmful pests and diseases. The certificate must be issued by the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of the country of origin and must be presented to the CFIA upon arrival in Canada.
Label the package correctly: The package containing the seeds should be clearly labeled with the scientific and common names of the seed, as well as the name and address of the sender. Additionally, the package should also be labeled with the name of the importer, the quantity of seeds, and the scientific name of the seed variety.
Register with CFIA: If you are planning to import vegetable seeds into Canada on a regular basis, you may need to register with the CFIA. The registration process involves providing information about your business, including your name, address, and contact information, as well as details about your intended imports.
Inspection: Seeds may be subject to inspection by the CFIA upon arrival in Canada. If the seeds are found to be free of pests and diseases and meet Canadian import standards, they will be released for import. If the seeds are found to be non-compliant, they may be refused entry into Canada or may need to be treated or destroyed.

It's important to check the most recent regulations with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) as they are subject to change. Also, you should consult a customs broker or freight forwarder, they will be able to help you navigate the process of importing vegetable seeds into Canada.

Happy New Years I hope 2023 brings some sense of certainty, a little bit of calm and great success to you and your family :). (That’s all I want too!)

BONUS TO FIGURE OUT:

CHATGBT: What is a phytosanitary certificate?

A Phytosanitary certificate is a document that certifies that a shipment of plants, plant products, or other regulated articles, such as vegetable seeds, have been inspected and found to be free of harmful pests and diseases, and that they meet phytosanitary requirements as established by the country of import.

The certificate is issued by the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of the country of origin, which is responsible for ensuring that the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country are met. It is usually issued by the Ministry of Agriculture or other related government agencies.

Phytosanitary certificate is an important document required for the import and export of plants, plant products, and other regulated articles, as it helps to prevent the spread of harmful pests and diseases and protect the agricultural industry of the importing country. The certificate contains information about the shipment, including its origin, destination, and the type of plant or plant product it contains, as well as information about any treatments or inspections that have been performed.

Here is an example:

Regulations and requirements for importing vegetable seeds set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)

CHATGBT: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sets regulations and requirements for importing vegetable seeds into Canada to ensure that they are free from harmful pests and diseases and meet Canadian import standards. Some of the key regulations and requirements include:

Phytosanitary certificate: A phytosanitary certificate is required for all shipments of vegetable seeds imported into Canada. The certificate must be issued by the national plant protection organization (NPPO) of the country of origin and must certify that the seeds are free from harmful pests and diseases.
Labeling: Vegetable seeds imported into Canada must be clearly labeled with the scientific and common names of the seed, as well as the name and address of the sender. Additionally, the package should also be labeled with the name of the importer, the quantity of seeds, and the scientific name of the seed variety.
Inspection: Shipments of vegetable seeds may be subject to inspection by the CFIA upon arrival in Canada. If the seeds are found to be free of pests and diseases and meet Canadian import standards, they will be released for import. If the seeds are found to be non-compliant, they may be refused entry into Canada or may need to be treated or destroyed.
Import Permit: Some vegetable seeds are regulated as a pest risk and require an import permit in order to be imported into Canada. The CFIA has a list of seeds that are regulated, and the importer must apply for an import permit before bringing the seeds into Canada.
Compliance with the Seed Regulations: The imported vegetable seeds must comply with the Seeds Regulations, which are in place to ensure that imported seed is of good quality, is labeled correctly and is free from seed-borne diseases and pests.

It's important to note that regulations and requirements may change over time, so it's important to check with the CFIA for the most up-to-date information. Importers are responsible for ensuring that their imports comply with the regulations and requirements set by the CFIA.

How do I Register with the CFIA?

CHATGBT: To register with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for the purpose of importing vegetable seeds, you will need to follow these steps:

Visit the CFIA website: Go to the CFIA website and navigate to the "Import" section. Here you will find information about the registration process and any forms that need to be completed.
Review the information: Carefully review the information provided by CFIA regarding the registration process. Make sure you understand the requirements and that you meet the eligibility criteria.
Complete the registration form: Complete the registration form provided by the CFIA. The form will ask for information about your business, including your name, address, and contact information, as well as details about your intended imports. You may need to provide additional documentation, such as business licenses or certifications.
Submit the form: Submit the completed registration form and any additional documentation to the CFIA. You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person.
Wait for confirmation: Once the CFIA has received your registration form, they will review it and contact you to confirm your registration. This process may take several weeks.
Renewal: Your CFIA registration is valid for a period of time specified by the CFIA and must be renewed periodically, usually every year.

Regulations and requirements for importing vegetable seeds set by the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA)

CHATGBT: The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for managing and enforcing the regulations and requirements for importing goods into Canada, including vegetable seeds. Some of the key regulations and requirements set by the CBSA include:

Tariff classification: Vegetable seeds must be correctly classified under the Customs Tariff in order to determine the applicable duties and taxes.
Documentation: You will need to provide certain documentation to the CBSA when importing vegetable seeds, such as a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and a phytosanitary certificate.
Inspection: Shipments of vegetable seeds may be subject to inspection by the CBSA upon arrival in Canada. This may include physical inspections, as well as document reviews, to verify compliance with regulations and requirements.
Compliance with other regulations: Vegetable seeds must comply with other regulations and requirements, such as those set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Grain Commission.
Payment of Duties and taxes: Duties and taxes must be paid on vegetable seeds imported into Canada. The rate of duty and taxes depends on the type of vegetable seed, the country of origin and the tariff classification.

What customs broker or freight forwarder deal with importing seeds into Canada?

CHATGBT: There are several customs brokers and freight forwarders that specialize in importing seeds into Canada. Some examples include:

Flexport: A global freight forwarder and logistics provider that offers services such as customs clearance, import and export compliance, and transportation.
UPS Supply Chain Solutions: Provides customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics services to help businesses navigate the import and export process.
Kuehne+Nagel: A global logistics company that offers customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics services for the import and export of seeds and other goods.
DHL Global Forwarding: A global logistics company that offers customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics services for the import and export of seeds and other goods.
Expeditors International: A global logistics provider that offers customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics services for the import and export of seeds and other goods.
Schenker of Canada Limited: A global logistics provider that offers customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and logistics services for the import and export of seeds and other goods.

These are just a few examples of customs brokers and freight forwarders that may be able to assist you with importing seeds into Canada. It's important to research and compare the services of different companies to find one that best fits your needs. You can also check with trade associations or your local chamber of commerce for recommendations.

Email or call these companies:

Johnny's Selected Seeds - I would recommend reaching out to our wholesale representative for that amount, as the pricing may be different. Here is his contact information:
Josh Miller International & Wholesale Representative
Email: jmiller@johnnyseeds.com
Direct Line: 207-238-5310
I appreciate you reaching out to us. Concerning your kale inquiry, you mentioned Vates Scottish Blue Curled – I’m sorry to say we do not offer this specific variety. I reached out to our growing specialist to see if there may be a specific variety we offer for that would be recommended for cold pressing, but we have not had any past experiences with this through our customers across the country as it’s mostly grown for produce and market stands.
As I understand it, Vates Blue Scotch Curled is a very long-standing, trusty OP variety, but it strongly reminds me of our Westlandse Winter, a traditional green curly kale. We sell most of our kale by the seed count, and taking Westlandse Winter as an example, there’s approx. 165,000/lb., which means you’ll need approx. 4.125 million seeds for 25 lbs. This variety is something we can discount 20% for our wholesale partners, and your price would be $7.22/M (thousand). Winterbor is perhaps our best seller, and your price would be $11.20/M, and the same for Starbor. Darkibor would be $9.87/M.
Going a more economical route, I would point you to Black Magic, which is $1.68/M and Dazzling Blue at $2.32/M – both of these are dinosaur kales. One variety we sell by weight is Red Russian, but this is smooth leafed and not curly. Your price would be $14.80/lb. FYI, we give estimates for number of seeds in a lb. at the end of the product description for any given variety. The rest of our kales can be checked out HERE.
Apologize for the length, but I hope this information is helpful and gives you options to look at. You can let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions or questions. As Josh said, I’d be more than happy to send you a quote with your pricing based on what you’d like to try out.

DAVE: thanks for all the info.

can we set up a quote for the economical option?

Based on your email I think it's this one:

Black Magic, which is $1.68/M

Quote 50 50 lbs of Black Magic Seed please and thanks :)

JOHNNY: Apologies for the delay. Attached is the confirmation for your order. 50 lbs. = 7.5 million seeds, so the quote has that at $1.68/M.

DAVE: To confirm, a 50 lbs bag is $12,700?

JOHNNY: Yes, that’s correct. I know I said it was a more economical variety, at least compared to the other ones we offer, but because we sell most of our kale by seed count, translating it into 50 lbs. still ends up being a massive amount of seed.

We sell Red Russian by weight, and 50 lbs. discounted would be $740.00. Quite a big difference.

DAVE: "50 lbs. discounted would be $740.00." This is closer! :). Thanks for explaining.

Before COVID I could get 50 lbs Vates Kale Seed for $250 USD.

JOHNNY: $250 for the bag was a great deal for sure. One thing I forgot to mention was that because we don’t offer the Vates kale, I can’t say how comparable Red Russian would be to it. I just wanted to advise you on that since I know you said you were going to be using the kale for cold pressing.

As to shipping to Canada, we would need a CSAC document given the total weight of seeds. In putting an order for this, we would put a request in for the CSAC and we’d need to wait until this is complete which typically takes anywhere around 2-4 weeks.

2. Burpee Seeds - We are sorry but we do not sell in bulk or wholesale. Good luck with your search.

3. Seed Savers Exchange - Unfortunately we do not stock the quantities needed to be able to fill your requirements.

4. Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds - I'm sorry, but we're not able to provide bulk seed at this time.

5. High Mowing Organic Seeds - too expensive and only have 20 lbs bags.

6. Seeds of Change - AKA Mars Food - Please call 800-848-2970

7. Every seed supplier in Canada - nope sorry can’t get that much…

Summary:

only Johnny Seed can help but the cost is too high.

(Red Russian by weight, and 50 lbs. discounted would be $740.00.)

Time to look for Kale Seed in TURKEY!

Sign up! One day we'll have something neat to sell you.