Cargill, BASF Developing Omega-3 Rich Canola

A new type of canola could give aquaculture farmers a more sustainable way to raise fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Cargill and BASF are developing the canola as an alternative to fish oil in aquaculture feed that could ease harvest pressure on wild fish populations that currently supply much of that oil. In feeding trials conducted with salmon, Cargill was able to completely replace fish oil in feed rations with oil from the special canola variety. A Cargill spokesperson says the new canola could “create tremendous opportunities across the global food and feed markets.” Currently, raising fish rich in omega-3s means supplementing their feed with fish oil. This new canola, which is genetically engineered to make long chain omega-3 fatty acids, will offer a more sustainable alternative as it eases pressure on finite marine resources. Testing and regulatory approval for both the canola and the enhanced canola oil is underway, and it is expected to reach market sometime after 2020.