AreaUnited States of America
Commodity GroupOilseeds, oils and meals
CommodityCamelina seed
Date01/09/2017
Policy CategoryOther
Policy InstrumentSector development measures
DescriptionAllocated public funds to support research on high oil-yielding camelina seed varieties.
NotesThe 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).
