News

November 30, 2009
Camelina Cleared Another Hurdle for the Future Success and Adoption of the New Biodiesel Feedstock

Biodiesel Magazine (November 11 post) – The North American Camelina Trade Association announced Nov. 10 that it received approval from the Center for Veterinary Medicine, a department of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for the use of camelina meal in the diets of feedlot beef cattle up to 10 percent of the weight of the total ration. Camelina meal has already received approval from the FDA for inclusion in up to 10 percent of the weight of the total ration of broiler chickens based on a broiler feeding study. This study was the first project funded by NACTA, through a grant from the Montana Department of Agriculture. "Opening up the feedlot beef market for camelina meal feeding opportunities is a tremendous step in building a strong, long-term market for camelina production," said Scott Johnson, president of NACTA. "Increasing the number of markets for the most significant co-product of camelina oil production ensures growers the ability to drive additional revenue from the crop beyond just oil."

NACTA will continue working to obtain certification from the FDA for additional market segments such as laying hens, swine and dairy. "Camelina meal is an excellent source of protein, and with the growing demand for biofuels made from camelina oil, it is extremely important that our producers have multiple co-product outlets," Johnson said. The study on camelina use in laying hen rations is nearing completion and soon to be submitted to the FDA. "We expect this to occur by year's end and go through a review process that takes about six to eight weeks," he said. Once the laying hen study is submitted, the next target is a feeding study for swine.

For more information:            
Maria Zannes
505.400.9747