“First” canola EPA and DHA omega 3: USDA grants cultivation approval

06 Sep 2018 --- The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given regulatory approval for the US cultivation of Nuseed’s proprietary omega 3 canola – touted as the world’s first plant-based source of long-chain omega 3 fatty acids from canola. Developed by Nufarm Limited’s subsidiary Nuseed, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), this omega 3 canola was created to help relieve pressure on wild fish stocks, which are the current sources of long-chain omega 3 fatty acids. 

Nuseed’s omega 3 canola secured authorization for cultivation, food and feed from Australian authorities earlier this year. The company states that it plans to initially commercialize omega 3 oil – branded as Aquaterra – for aquaculture feed uses, followed by Nutriterra for human nutrition applications. 

The company touts the Nuseed oil as capable of meeting the needs of multiple end-market applications on a commercially viable basis.

Long-chain omega 3 DHA and EPA are considered essential for human and fish health and the topic of ongoing research. By providing a proven land-based source of these oils, Nuseed seeks to help maintain adequate supply to meet increasing global demand for long chain omega 3s. Nuseed anticipates that one hectare of Nuseed’s omega 3 canola has the potential to provide the omega 3 yield from 10,000 kilograms of wild caught fish.

“USDA approval represents another very significant milestone in the development and commercialization of this important new product. It further validates the safety and quality of the product and the regulatory progress being made in multiple jurisdictions,” says Nufarm Managing Director and CEO, Greg Hunt.

The USDA deregulation marks a critical step toward global regulatory approval of omega 3 canola. However, Nuseed’s submission to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – which oversees food and feed regulations – is still being processed, and approval is anticipated before the 2019 US cropping season. 

Andy Thomas, Nuseed Global General Manager Innovation and Strategy, says the USDA decision helps to consolidate the company’s production plans in support of commercial launch from the US next year. 

“This approval has been achieved at the earliest end of our expectations and along with Nuseed’s well-developed stewardship platform will allow us to expand our production rapidly,” Thomas adds. 

Nuseed has planted 15,000 acres of omega 3 canola in Montana under USDA notification this year, with that crop currently being harvested. The oil produced from this crop is destined for ongoing pre-commercial trials in key markets.