By Malinda Geisler, Ag Marketing Resource Center, Iowa State University, malindag@iastate.edu

Profile updated April 2008.


Overview
Camelina is an oilseed that is getting attention for its omega-3 nutritional attributes and as a possible, affordable source for biodiesel. It contains about 34 to 36 percent omega-3 oil. Camelina is an annual that originated in Northern Europe. A member of the mustard family, it is also known more as a weed with names like false flax, gold of pleasure and leindotter.

Camelina is well suited for marginal soils. According to Montana State University research, camelina has a lower break-even cost than wheat and canola. The seed can be broadcast or drilled. Montana State University trials indicate seed rates of 2.5 to 3 pounds per acre. The seeds are dense and small at 345,000 to 465,000 seeds per pound. Yields vary depending on soils and rainfall. Based on Montana State research, camelina will average 1,800 to 2,200 pounds per acre under 16- to 18-inch rainfalls. Yields drop with less rainfall and increase when using irrigation. Montana State University suggests including camelina in a three- or four-year crop rotation. Camelina byproducts are being studied as feed sources for fish, chickens and cattle. In addition to Montana, camelina is grown in Slovenia, Ukraine, China, Finland, Germany and Austria.

Sources

• Camelina, Montana State University - This research was presented at the January 2007 Harvesting Clean Energy Conference VII by Duane Johnson, Superintendent, MSU Northwestern Ag Research Center.
• Camelina, The National Non-Food Crops Centre, Heslington, York, U.K.
• Camelina, Centre for Alternative Land Use, Bangor University, U.K., 2007.
• Camelina: A Promising Low-Input Oilseed, Purdue University.
• Camelina: All-Star Crop for All-Star Producers, The Prairie Star, March 5, 2007.
• Camelina Production in Montana, Montana State University, January 2008 - Research on all fronts, from how to best grow camelina to developing end use products of the oil and meal of this unique seed, is currently underway in Montana.
• Great Plains Oil & Exploration Company - A Montana company that purchases camelina for biodiesel.
• Great Northern Growers, Montana Producer Cooperative - This producer cooperative produces camelina for omega-3 vegetable oil and for biodiesel.
• MSU Researchers Say New Crop Could Produce Affordable Biodiesel, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, May 19, 2005.
• Rancher Says Camelina is Oilseed Industry’s Cinderella this Year, Farm & Ranch Guide, July 21, 2005.

 Links checked April 2008.