USA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has deregulated Cargill’s proprietary canola, Latitude™,  for cultivation in the United States.

The development will see aquaculture farmers have access to Cargill’s sustainable, plant-based source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for aquafeed.

Currently, aquafeed for farm-raised salmon contains fish oil to help fish reach desired eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acid levels.

Both omega-3 fat acids, EPA and DHA are plentiful in oily fish, such as salmon and anchovies, mostly in combined form rather than individually.

The plant-based alternative was developed by Cargill through a combination of technology from BASF with its canola innovation capabilities and aquaculture expertise.

Cargill has been testing omega-3 canola varieties under permit in multiple locations in Montana since 2015.

Latitude™ is touted as a plant-based alternative that relieves harvesting pressure on wild fish populations, while meeting the market need for a reliable supply of long-chain omega-3s at a predictable price.

“This approval means we are on target to deliver Latitude™, our sustainable, fish oil alternative made from canola oilseeds to aquaculture farmers and feed manufacturers.

“It represents another key step in creating a global supply chain that can meet a critical environmental challenge,” said Mark Christiansen, managing director for Cargill’s specialty oils business.

With USDA deregulation, Cargill plans to advance the commercialization of its long-chain omega-3 canola trait in a tightly-managed closed loop supply chain.

“The USDA deregulation is an important step in the regulatory approval strategy for Cargill’s new omega-3 canola,” the company said.

BASF generated the data package and submitted the application for USDA regulatory approval of Cargill’s proprietary long-chain omega-3 canola.

“We are committed to excellence in meeting the extensive regulatory and stewardship requirements that accompany a new, genetically-optimized crop, and to assuring strict adherence to all applicable regulations,” said Ralph Paulini, vice president of regulatory & stewardship for seeds & traits at BASF.

“Our efforts are validated with the USDA deregulation of Cargill’s omega-3 canola,” Ralph added.