Yield10 Bioscience gets USDA approval for its GM camelina

In Massachusetts, Yield10 Bioscience announced that USDA-APHIS’s Biotechnology Regulatory Services has determined that Yield10’s Camelina sativa varieties developed using genetic engineering (modified Camelina) to produce omega-3 fatty acids are not subject to the regulations under 7 CFR part 340, and may be grown and bred in the United States. The global markets for omega-3 fatty acids include aquafeed used for salmon and trout farming, pet feed, baby formula, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Most omega-3 fatty acids are produced from ocean-caught fish. Production constraints and supply volatility of traditional fish oil sources are creating gaps in supply and driving the growing demand for new sources of omega-3. Utilizing Camelina as a land-based production platform has the potential to provide a new, reliable supply for omega-3 fatty acids. Yield10’s submissions along with the USDA-APHIS BRS responses are posted on the USDA’s website.