The British team hopes the crop containing omega-3 fatty acids could provide a sustainable alternative to farmed fish, such as salmon. Omega-3 fish oils are widely regarded as beneficial additions to a nutritious human diet.
In a landmark paper published yesterday, the Rothamsted scientists announced the first year results of the field-scale trial of the Camelina oilseed plants.
Dr Olga Sayanova said: “We are delighted with the results of our first year field trial. Finding a land-based source of feedstocks containing omega-3 fish oils has long been an urgent priority for truly sustainable aquaculture.
“Our results give hope that oilseed crops grown on land can contribute to improving the sustainability of the fish farming industry and the marine environment in the future."
The field trial conducted at Rothamsted Research’s experimental farm continues this year.
The field trial and the associated laboratory analyses are funded by the government-supported Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
NFU comment
NFU chief science and regulatory affairs adviser Dr Helen Ferrier said: “This is a very exciting trial and we are glad to see positive results as a step towards sustainable production of a particularly valuable feed crop given the nutritional importance of eating fish.
“The research shows a potentially highly productive relationship between agriculture and aquaculture in the future to ensure there is a sustainable source of fish. It also 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. New technologies are key to addressing global food security challenges and plant genetics can unlock some seriously valuable solutions.”
“We look forward to seeing the results from the trials in the ground this year.”