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

Profile updated July 2009.
 

Overview
Camelina (Camelina sativa) 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.

According to Montana's National Agricultural Statistics Service, 9,100 acres of camelina were harvested in 2008. More than 5.1 million pounds of camelina were harvested in Montana in 2008.

Camelina is well suited for marginal soils. According to Montana State University (MSU) research, camelina has a lower break-even cost than wheat and canola. The seed can be broadcast or drilled. Montana State 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 MSU research, camelina will average 1,800 to 2,200 pounds per acre under 16- to 18-inch rainfalls. In other dryland research trials by MSU, camelina yields averaged 1,000 to 1,700 per acre. Yields drop with less rainfall and increase when using irrigation. Montana State 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, York, U.K.
• Camelina, Oregon State University Extension Service, 2008.
• 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, 2007.
• Camelina Industry in U.S. Unites, All About Feed, March 9, 2009.
• Camelina Production in Montana, Montana State University, 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.
• Camelina Seed, Question of the Week, ATTRA, 2007.
• 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.
• Meal: More Than Just Chicken Feed, Biodiesel magazine, 2009 - FDA’s generally regarded as safe (GRAS) rating.
• Montana Camelina Production, NASS.
• MSU Researchers Say New Crop Could Produce Affordable Biodiesel, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 2005.
• Rancher Says Camelina is Oilseed Industry’s Cinderella this Year, Farm & Ranch Guide, 2005.
• Sustainable Oils Receives Regulatory Approval for Feeding Camelina Meal in Livestock Diets, BiobasedNews.com, 2008.

 Links checked July 2009.