Nufarm secured U.S. Department of Agriculture's regulatory approval for plant-based long chain omega-3

Nufarm Limited welcomes the announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it has deregulated Nuseed’s proprietary omega-3 canola for cultivation in the United States.

Nuseed’s omega-3 canola secured authorisation for cultivation, food and feed from Australian authorities earlier this year.

Developed by Nufarm subsidiary Nuseed, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), this omega-3 canola is the world’s first plant-based source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Nufarm Managing Director and CEO, Greg Hunt, said “USDA approval represents another very significant milestone in the development and commercialisation of this important new product.”

“It further validates the safety and quality of the product and the regulatory progress being made in multiple jurisdictions.”

The USDA deregulation marks a critical step toward global regulatory approval of omega-3 canola. Food and feed regulations are overseen by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nuseed’s submission to the FDA is still being processed and approval is anticipated prior to the 2019 US cropping season.

Andy Thomas, Nuseed Global General Manager Innovation and Strategy, said today’s USDA decision helps consolidate the Company’s production plans in support of commercial launch from the United States next year. “This approval has been achieved at the earliest end of our expectations and along with Nuseed’s well-developed stewardship platform will allow us to rapidly expand our production.”

Nuseed successfully planted 15,000 acres of omega-3 canola in Montana under USDA notification this year, with that crop currently being harvested. The oil produced from this crop is destined for ongoing pre-commercial trials in key markets.

The Company plans to initially commercialise omega-3 oil – branded as AquaterraTM – for aquaculture feed uses, followed by NutriterraTM for human nutrition applications. The unique profile of the Nuseed oil ensures that it will easily fit with current market practices and meet the needs of multiple end-market applications on a commercially viable basis.

Long-chain omega-3 DHA and EPA are essential for human and fish health. This new proprietary product aims to help relieve pressure on wild fish stocks, which are the current sources of these important nutrients. By providing a proven land-based source of these oils, Nuseed will help maintain adequate supply to meet increasing global demand for long chain omega-3s. It is anticipated that one hectare of Nuseed’s omega-3 canola has the potential to provide the omega-3 yield from 10,000 kilograms of wild caught fish.