Case study: Feed
Improving the productivity, sustainability and nutritional value of crops and food.
Challenge
Agricultural contractor Velcourt wanted to develop a sustainable supply of oil with novel functionality for food and non-food applications.
Strategy
Researchers in the Department of Biology and Biorenewables Development Centre worked with Velcourt to grow these lines and press sufficient oil for companies to test in their products.
Outcome
The work is enabling the development of lines of oilseed rape (OSR) that produce oils suitable for the manufacture of thermally stable, biodegradable lubricants for use in high temperature frying. A proposal to pilot the process to establish its commercial viability has been submitted.
Next steps
Registration of new OSR lines will enable commercial scale production.