Contexte

Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) is an oilseed crop in the cruciferous family. The species has a short growth cycle, and tolerates droughts and cold well. These characteristics mean that its management can be more flexible than winter cereals especially in terms of seeding dates, and make it an interesting alternative from a technical point of view for implementation in rotation in dry farming cereal fields, and one which contributes to sustainable crop production. However, it is not widespread, partly because it is a less productive crop than cereals. Oil and oilseed meal rich in healthy fatty acids (omega-3), antioxidants and vegetable protein, among other products, are also obtained from pressing camelina seeds. These compounds can enhance the value of the crop, making it attractive to farmers. Although oil from the first pressing, without any prior refinement, may not be used for human consumption in Spain (Royal Decree 308/1983 of 25 January), its use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industry and in animal feed is permitted. Oilseed meal is also used on fish farms to feed salmon, and can also be used as an ingredient in feed for other domestic animals, and is included as such in Regulation (EU) 2017/1017 of the European Commission.