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The North American Camelina Trade Association (NACTA) announced the achievement of another milestone in its efforts to build camelina production and marketing opportunities for growers. The industry received approval from the Center for Veterinary Medicine, a department of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, for the use of camelina meal in the diets of feedlot beef cattle up to 10 percent of the weight of the total ration. Camelina meal is a co-product of camelina oil extraction.

Camelina meal has already received approval from the FDA for inclusion in up to 10 percent of the weight of the total ration of broiler chickens based on a broiler feeding study. This study was the first project funded by NACTA, through a grant from the Montana Department of Agriculture.

NACTA was formed in February 2009 by 13 camelina seed companies, processors and researchers. The association works to promote research, production and the development of new markets for camelina -- a relatively new energy crop in North America that has exciting potential.

“Opening up the feedlot beef market for camelina meal feeding opportunities is a tremendous step in building a strong, long-term market for camelina production,” said Scott Johnson, president of NACTA. “Increasing the number of markets for the most significant co-product of camelina oil production ensures growers the ability to drive additional revenue from the crop beyond just oil.”

NACTA will continue working to obtain certification from the Food and Drug Administration for additional market segments such as laying hens, swine, and dairy, giving camelina producers even more options to drive revenue.

“Camelina meal is an excellent source of protein, and with the growing demand for biofuels made from camelina oil, it is extremely important that our producers have multiple co-product outlets,” said Johnson.

Camelina sativa, also known as gold of pleasure or false flax, is a member of the mustard family and a distant relative to canola. It is a fast-growing, short-seasoned crop that requires less water and fewer inputs than many crops. Its high oil content and other properties make it a great fit for biofuel production and interest in the crop has grown significantly in recent years as it has been used in high-profile tests as an aviation fuel feedstock and as meal certifications have been approved.