Posted on 24 June 2004
The project was funded by Defra as a consultancy project administered through the National Non-Food Crop Centre (www.nnfcc.co.uk).
Oilcrop.com lists oil crops that can be grown in the UK, with agronomy and oil characteristics described in detail. There are also sections on crop genetics, oil biochemistry and the technologies that support agriculture. The website provides a resource for all sectors associated with the supply chain of oils, from fundamental researchers to end-users.
Professor Dianna Bowles said: "It is important to the UK economy to integrate the knowledge of farmers, manufacturers and researchers when developing sustainable uses for non-food crops."
Applications of plant oils include their use in paints, lubricants, biodiesel and solvents used in industrial processes.
A unique feature of the site is the 'on-farm' oilseed processing information. Localised pressing of seed oil is now feasible either through single farm processing or a grower processing consortium. Theoretical case studies are presented on the website to illustrate the extra value that can be made by farm processing of oilseeds compared to selling oilseeds on to a third party.
"There is a wealth of opportunity out there for farmers if they can take their crops that one step further," said Jacqueline Garrood, Springdale's Technical Co-ordinator.
Professor Ian Graham added: "Oilcrop.com offers farmers an opportunity to add value to their crops before the farm-gate. Producers could be in a position to develop entrepreneurial activities directly connected to the purchasers of their products."
Ian Law, Technical Translator with the NNFCC said: "It is exactly this type of opportunity that British farming needs to develop in light of CAP reforms."
Results from this project will be on display at the Great Yorkshire Show from 13 to 15 July in the Universities' Pavilion.