Saskatchewan’s Linnaeus Plant Sciences, a major global camelina enterprise, announces the formation of Linnaeus Plant Sciences BV, headquartered in Wageningen, the Netherlands._x000D_
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This incorporation will allow Linnaeus to join a group of 18 EU-based partners, of which 50 per cent are SMEs and large enterprises and the remaining 50 per cent are universities and research institutes. The research consortium is being managed by Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research working under the program name COSMOS._x000D_
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The European oleochemical industry relies on imported coconut and palm kernel oils for the production of plastics, surfactants, detergents, lubricants, plasticisers and other products. COSMOS aims to reduce this dependence by turning underutilised domestic oil crops camelina and crambe into profitable, sustainable, multipurpose, non-GMO European oil crops for the production of oleochemicals. Seed properties will be screened and oil profiles adapted to industrial needs. Field trials will assess cultivation practices, seed yield, oil content, ease of harvesting, and resource inputs. The trials are being conducted by Linnaeus Plant Sciences’ affiliate Smart Earth Seeds._x000D_
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“This is an exciting opportunity for our company to extend its footprint and develop camelina on a global scale,” says Jack Grushcow, CEO of Linnaeus Plant Sciences._x000D_
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“Being the only North American company considered for possible participation in this program is further recognition of our leadership position in camelina crop development worldwide.”
