WARDEN, Wash. -- A new canola processing plant near Moses Lake promises more than 200 construction jobs to the area, and 35 permanent jobs after the facility is built.

"Overall it should be a win-win for everybody. For the community and producers," Jeff Schibel, a canola farmer, said.

Schibel is one of a handful of canola farmers in the area. He rotates the crop with his wheat and potatoes to boost the amount he can grow of each.

"Plus, it also increases your wheat yield anywhere from 10-15 percent," Schibel said.

Pacific Coast Canola officially started construction on this site in Warden Wednesday. Company President Joel Horn says it's important to build the facility, where the crop can thrive.

"What we've seen in other states like North Dakota is that they were growing very little canola until a canola crusher was built in the state, now they've got close to a million acres growing canola," Horn said.

The plant is expected to create 35 permanent on-site jobs, but Horn says more canola farmers may sprout up because the crop is worth more than wheat, easy to grow, and naturally aerates grower's soil.

"There's a tremendous opportunity for canola growers now because we could purchase as much as $200 million of canola seed every year," Horn added.

Horn said the canola interest is growing as Americans look for healthy alternatives to trans-fat oils. Farmers hope that interest, along with a local canola crushing plant, will help put more money in their pocket.

"Hopefully the price will be a little better than having to haul it all to Canada, so hopefully it will establish a local market," Schibel said.

The facility is supposed to be up and running by early 2013.