Area
United States of America
Commodity Group
Oilseeds, oils and meals
Commodity
Camelina seed
Date
01/09/2017
Policy Category
Other
Policy Instrument
Sector development measures
Description
Allocated public funds to support research on high oil-yielding camelina seed varieties.
Notes
The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a USD 10 million grant to explore ways to raise the oil content of camelina seed using genetic sequencing and modification techniques. The project will be led by Michigan State University. High oil-yielding varieties are expected to attract the interest of U.S. farmers, as camelina can be grown on agriculturally marginal lands, requires limited fertilizer and water, and offers good resistance to pest and disease. Camelina oil has been successfully blended into civil and military aviation fuel. Furthermore, the oil is used as a feed ingredient in aquaculture and lends itself for a variety of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and industrial uses (see also MPPU June17).
