Plant based alternative to omega-3 fish oil
Another story involving Cargill also generated a lot of traffic.
We reported on how the Minnesota-based agri-giant received approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its proprietary omega-3 rich canola variety to be cultivated in the US.
Cargill collaborated with BASF Plant Science on the canola. The German company developed the technology used to integrate genetic material from algae and plants and canola to establish a canola cultivar able to generate omega-3 fatty acids.
Mark Christiansen, managing director for Cargill’s specialty oils business, said the production of omega-3-rich canola provides several benefits.
“It addresses the growing gap between the supply and demand for fish oil, as well as the sustainability of our oceans and wild fish supply,” he told FeedNavigator. “Aquaculture cannot continue to grow to meet consumer demand without solving the challenge of limited fish oil and environmental stress.”
“Instead of relying on fish oil harvested from wild oily fish, commercial fish feed producers can now have a reliable supply and predictably priced, alternative source of omega-3,” he said. “For crop farmers, omega-3 canola provides a new option for rotation for added income and soil health, as well as a guaranteed market.”
