Aquaculture production has been expanding at a rate of 15% per year and is predicted to continue to grow dramatically in the future (Source: Feed Management). The largest cost component in this industry is feed and fish meal is the most important protein source in the fish feed recipe for salmon, trout and shrimp (these species consume 52% of pelleted fish feed production (Source: Feed Management)). Fish meal is a finite resource which cannot be produced in sufficient quantities to sustain aquaculture’s growth. Further, fish meal supply is subject to the vagaries of climate and fishing conditions and, therefore, pricing has historically been volatile. For these reasons, aquaculture seeks new protein sources to replace fish meal. Canola protein, with its good amino acid balance and low antigenicity is the leading plant based candidate to replace fish meal. In fact, prior research has shown that dephytinzed canola protein concentrate “could entirely replace high quality fish meal in trout diets without adversely affecting performance, provided that the diet was simultaneously supplemented with Finnstim (a product used to enhance taste).” (Prendergast et al.)
The bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or Mad Cow Disease) problem has resulted in bans on meat and bone meal in Europe and import bans in Japan. This is creating a huge void in protein markets that must be filled with high quality plant-based alternatives. Canola protein is well positioned to fill this void.
The concern over GMO’s in Europe shows no signs of relenting and the European food industry has no choice but to use only non-GMO ingredients. This extends to the feed used for livestock production. Because soybeans are not grown in Europe, soy protein users must maintain voluminous records tracing the source of the soybeans to prove that they come from non-GMO stock.
Because non-GMO canola is grown in Europe (9 million MT in 2000) compliance with non-GMO guidelines is a simple matter. One need only source seed from the abundant European supply. Canola has great potential to be the non-GMO plant-based protein of choice in Europe.
Next: Canola's Competitive Advantage
