Alabama Producers Growing Carinata for Biofuel

by Katie Nichols (Alabama Extension Daily) Alabama growers are sowing the seeds of a new biofuel oil crop this winter. Brassica carinata, informally known as carinata, is similar to canola (Brassica napus L.)—a crop many producers introduced to rotations several years ago.

An oilseed crop, carinata seed is larger than millet and smaller than sorghum. Canola was grown and crushed for food-grade oils, but carinata is a non-food, biofuel oil. The remnants of carinata seed—a feed meal—will provide the livestock industry with a high value protein supplement in feed rations.

Incorporating Carinata

Alabama Cooperative Extension System regional agent, Christy Hicks, said there is much excitement surrounding the contracted carinata acreage in the state.

“Row crop producers are always looking for opportunities to increase productivity,” Hicks said. “Many of the growers who have contracted carinata acreage sought alternatives to solely growing winter wheat. The crop is a great addition to rotations that will allow producers to diversify their winter income.”

Carinata is high in glucosinolic acid, a natural deterrent for nematodes and other pathogens and insects. The crop’s adaptability to different environments is also beneficial.

Klingenberg (Dr. Jeff Klingenberg, the Vice President of Agronomy and Plant Breeding at Agrisoma Biosciences, Inc.) said the oil markets are in need of a backbone source of oil for jet fuel.

“Carinata is high in erucic acid which is good for fuel and not for food consumption,” he said. “Carinata has a longer carbon chain fatty acid profile than canola, and improves efficiencies in fuel conversion processes.”

This crop differs from other oil sources in efficiency, ease of use and makeup. Carinata oil has no water separation in storage, is ready to use, has a lower freezing point—meaning higher flying for jets—and has potential to produce 50 percent less carbon emissions when used than petroleum fuel.

Carla Hornady, Alabama Farmers Federation Wheat and Feed Grains Division Director, said Agrisoma has put in work on the front end of the growing season meeting with producers at meetings hosted by County Federations and through Extension offices. As a result, there are farmers growing carinata this year and more who will grow it in the coming season.

“After another season with low prices, drought and struggling wheat, farmers were looking for another option,” Hornady said. READ MORE