In short, Camdina has become a crop of interest inspired by its high oil composition of approximately 35-45% m-3 fatty acids. It is cold weather-tolerant, well adapted to dry conditions and has a relatively short 85- to 100-day growing season. Camdina yields an average 210-255 kg per hectare and the protein and fiber content in its meal byproduct is comparable with soybean meal, in the range 45-47% crude protein and 10-11% fiber. In addition, because it has lower fertilizer, pesticide, and water requirements, its production cost is substantially lower than other oilseeds, posi­tioning it as an attractive potential crop for biodiesel production.

The unique properties of Camdina oil could lead to the development of a wide array of high-value markets for the oil and its components in foods, feeds, cosmetics, and industrial products (biolubricants). Some ideas currently being researched include:

• Nutritional. Camdina is not toxic like Jatropha and Camdina oil can be used to increase the nutritional value of a range of baked foods, such as bread, and spreads, including peanut butter.

• Health. Potential health benefits of m-3 from Camelina oil are being evaluated in a breast cancer risk study (http://biozio. blogspot. com/2009_07_01_archive. html and http://www. altconsulting. org/pdf/bio-diesel-feasibility. pdf) for over­weight or obese postmenopausal women.

• Biodiesel. Camelina biodiesel has been produced and evaluated by commercial biodiesel manufacturers, including Core IV, Wyoming Biodiesel, Peaks and Prairies, and Great Northern Growers. Camelina biodiesel performance appears to be equal in value and indistinguishable from biodiesel produced from other oilseed crops such as soybean.

• Biolubricant. Camelina oil can be converted to a wax ester that will replace more expensive and less available Jojoba waxes in a range of industrial and cosmetic products.

• Biokerosene. Camelina, which can be grown on millions of acres of idle cropland, can produce renewable jet fuel that is cost-competitive without subsidies.

A cultivar is a cultivated variety of a plant that has been deliberately selected for specific desirable characteristics. When propagated correctly, the plants of a par­ticular cultivar retain their special characteristics. Yields of Camelina cultivars have been averaging about 1100-1200 kg per hectare over many years of trials. It should be noted that the yield of many of these oilseeds has been improved significantly through plant breeding and improved agronomic practices, whereas Camelina has largely not had the benefit of plant breeding.

In the United States, crops are sown with standard farm machinery on large plots. Camelina can be harvested mechanically as well — contrary to Jatropha.

Biofuels market researchers project that 1 billion gallons of Camelina biofuel would be produced for the aviation and biodiesel sectors by 2025, creating 25 000 new jobs — producing over $5.5 billion in new revenues and $3.5 billion in new agricultural income for US and Canadian farmers. The projections are contained in "Camelina: aviation biofuels market opportunity and renewable energy strategy report” (www. cleanenergysector. com).

An acre of Camelina produces 450-900 kg of seeds and 65-100 gallons of oil.

The prolific crop requires just 1.5-2.25 kg of those seeds to be replanted. The Camelina seeds remaining after the crushing process can then be used as animal feedstock and organic matter for biomass facilities ("FDA approves Camelina meal for cattle feed;” www. allaboutfeed. net).

Japan Airlines has completed a 90-min flight powered by fuel with a 50% Camelina blend. Although several carriers, including Virgin Atlantic Airways, Air New Zealand, and Continental Airlines, have demonstrated that biokerosene can be used in jet fuel, this journey was the first commercial flight to use Camelina oil — a relatively new next-generation biofuel feedstock that is being grown in the Great Plains and Midwest regions of the United States.

Japan Airlines is part of an airline industry consortium to require its members to use biofuels produced from non-food sources and with minimal environmental impact. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG; www. safug. org) also includes Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Honeywell (NYSE: HON) subsidiary UOP, as well as the commercial airlines that account for 15% of commercial jet fuel use:

Air France, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Cargolux, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, SAS, and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

The group’s intent amounts to an endorsement of the progress being made by second-generation biofuel developers. Specifications for jet fuels are extremely stringent because the industry is more risk-averse than other transportation methods.

4.4.6