New Crop Camelina Has Biodiesel Potential

Though the oilseed crop camelina has been around since 600 BC, it is just now gaining attention from scientists and farmers across the region.

The plant’s adaptability to dry climates, high weed and pest resistance, harvesting ease and potential markets in the biofuel, skincare and health industries are causing a renewed interest in the plant. The crop appeals to farmers because there is generally no need to buy new harvesting equipment, and a potential market for the seed is located near Denver, Colorado. 

According to Allen Helm, northeastern Colorado weed specialist, camelina has the potential to be profitable in Colorado and the surrounding regions. “We were very successful with a one-acre test plot we had in Akron, Colorado,” he said. “This year we will have several larger test acreages in eastern Colorado and were are optimistic about them. Of all the alternative oil seed crops we’ve tried, camelina has the most potential here.”

Gary Iverson, executive director of the Great Northern Growers in Montana, is part of a group actively promoting the crop in that state. He says the plant has the potential to cover much of Montana in the next four or five years.

Camelina, a member of the mustard family, is also known as leindotter, false flax and gold of pleasure. The crop was widely grown in Eastern Europe until the early 1940's but was replaced with the introduction and widespread use of the oilseed canola. Unlike camelina, canola is easily hydrogenated, which allows it to be thickened, as in bars of margarine. However, hydrogenation creates trans fats, which have recently been found to be a serious health risk.

“Unlike other oils, camelina is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — the two fatty acids that are good for the body,” Iverson said.

Camelina has a high linolenic acid content. Linolenic acid is one of the omega-3 fatty acids which are generally found in substantial commercial quantities only in linseed (flax) and fish oils. Camelina contains 35 to 40% linolenic acid compared to 8% in canola and 1% or less in soybean and corn oils. It does not deteriorate during refining or storage like linseed (flax) oil or fish oil and can be used in a number of oil-based products such as spreads and salad dressings.

Planting

The ideal time to plant camelina is when the soil is between 40 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit and the ten-day outlook calls for fair weather – which is usually in April in this region. Camelina seed isn’t available in all areas. The Great Northern Growers sell seed for $5.00/lb. Iverson recommends planting 3lbs/acre. Camelina shouldn’t be planted more than ½ inch deep. Combing ammonium sulphate with the seed in a grass seeder is a good way to plant it, but the seed can also be broadcast and incorporated with a harrow or drilled with an air seeder. The plant competes well with weeds and insects. It does not need highly fertile soil, nor does it require large amounts of water, as canola does.

“Camelina does not grow as well on irrigated ground as it does on dry land acres,” Iverson said. “Anywhere wheat will grow, camelina will grow.”

Harvesting     

Camelina is usually harvested in July after wheat. The plant can be harvested with a combine or swathed and picked up like canola.

“It is very easy to harvest,” said Helm. “Instead of long pods like canola or brown mustard, camelina has a compact pod.”

Helm said that the disadvantages of the plant are its small seed size and its sensitivity to herbicide application. However, the plant is easy to kill if a farmer wants to plant another crop in the same field.

According to Iverson, in fields around Havre, Montana last year, camelina produced 1,500 to 1,700 pounds per acre, while nearby canola produced 700 pounds. This year, the Montana co-op expects to pay growers 9 to 12 cents per pound.

Marketing

Camelina has several potential markets. Iverson said the plant can be used instead of fish oil in the aquiculture industry, for human consumption, in the cosmetics industry, and as part of livestock and pet feeds.

            Laurie Jones, president of Sterling Bio-technologies Corporation in Sterling, Colorado said that she thinks her company is ahead of others because they are using camelina in their popular wurx skin care line.

“We use camelina for its fatty acid components, which improve skin elasticity,” said Shannon Strong, scientist for the company.

Blue Sun Biodiesel in Westminster, Colorado purchases camelina.

“We’re excited about camelina,” said Ryan Lafferty, research associate for Blue Sun. “This year we are taking a conservative approach to the plant and are looking forward to seeing what happens.”

To sell the crop to Blue Sun, growers must become part of one of their two co-ops. Co-op members pay a yearly $200 due plus $1,200 a year per unit (40 acres) of the crop. Members receive dividend returns and assistance from agronomists. Blue Sun’s agronomists can help producers decide whether or not camelina would be profitable on their farm. For more information, contact Blue Sun Biodiesl at 303-865-7700.

“If you decide to try camelina, only plant it on a few acres so you can become familiar with the crop,” Helm recommended. “We aren’t sure what the crop will do in this region, but we are excited about the possibilities.”