Camelina Development Efforts
Camelina sativa is an oilseed crop in the brassica family that includes canola, mustard and broccoli. The small-seeded, cool-climate crop has been grown in Europe. Research at Montana State University has shown camelina to be a promising dryland crop for use in biodiesel and other bioproducts. The Montana Department of Agriculture is working to provide information to companies seeking regulatory status for potential uses of camelina oil and byproducts and EPA registration for products to grow the crop.
The status of various development efforts:
Feed Status
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must approve camelina and its byproducts for use in feed or in food for humans. The FDA recently provided further clarification to states (See details) to enable the feeding of low levels of camelina meal while testing proceeds prior to an application for full approval.
Use in Biodiesel
Fuel producers must obtain certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and prove that biodiesel meets federal standards. The current EPA standard for biofuels is American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification D 6751-06a. Camelina-based biodiesel did pass an earlier version of the standard, according to Montana Bioenergy Program officials.
Commodity Dealer Licensing
To protect growers, grain buyers must be bonded and obtain Commodity Dealer/Warehouse licenses to purchase, offer contracts for, or store camelina. Licensed dealers may purchase camelina in addition to other grain or seed.
Crop Insurance
At the urging of Montana Sen. Jon Tester, Title I Section 1919 of the 2007 Farm Bill approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee would require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to develop a pilot crop insurance program for camelina. Producers would be eligible for the Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP) until the pilot program is available.
Pesticide Registration
No pesticides are currently registered for use in camelina crops. A public-private effort known as IR-4 has requested that the EPA approve the use of sethoxydim (Poast) for grass control in camelina.
Seed Licensing
Two public varieties, Blaine Creek and Suneson, were developed by Montana State University and released in January 2007. A private plant breeder also has been working on improvements to camelina. The Montana Seed Growers Association is working on draft standards for certified seed for camelina.
