Scientists will test whether adapted false flax plants (Camelina sativa) are able to make significant quantities of omega-3 fish oils in their seeds, following positive results in greenhouse-based plantings.
Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats found naturally in oily fish, nuts, seeds and leafy green vegetables. They are associated with health benefits including prevention of heart disease and stroke.
The search for effective, sustainable crop sources has been underway at Rothamsted for a decade.
The trial is due to start this spring and will run until 2017.
NFU chief science and regulatory affairs adviser Dr Helen Ferrier said: “This is a very exciting new development and the NFU fully supported the application for a field trial. New technologies are key to addressing food security challenges and plant genetics can unlock some seriously valuable solutions.
“This research shows the potential for direct consumer, societal and environmental benefit from biotechnology.
“British farmers are natural innovators and are very interested in new crops. They should be able to take the opportunity of new markets and innovations, to be part of a competitive and vibrant sector of the UK economy.”
The green light follows a risk assessment by the independent Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment and a 60-day public consultation. Rothamsted Scientists have also spoken to and answered questions directly from the public, and special interest groups that have been interested in the research project and the trial.
One of the key beneficiaries could be the aquaculture (fish farming) industry, which consumes 70 per cent of all fish oil harvested each year and is seeking new omega-3sources to ensure its production practices remain sustainable.
Rothamsted's Prof Johnathan Napier said: “We are very pleased to welcome the decision of Defra to grant us permission to carry out our proposed field trial. We have made considerable progress over the last 10 years in designing and developing these plants and my colleagues and I am very happy that we can now test the performance of these plants in the field, under real life conditions.”