MBOLD Released Reports on Minnesota Oilseed Production

The initiative outlines strategies to boost winter camelina and canola output within the agricultural sector.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Organic Food

MBOLD Released Reports on Minnesota Oilseed Production

Live Poll

Should agricultural industries prioritize transitioning to new, alternative crops to increase food production?

MBOLD, a project of the GREATER MSP Partnership, has published new reports analyzing the potential for expanding canola and winter camelina production. These crops are positioned as sustainable solutions to help meet a global protein demand projected to rise significantly by 2050.

Why it matters

Expanding winter camelina acreage could provide Minnesota farmers with valuable soil benefits and a new revenue stream through protein meal for livestock. This dual-cropping system aims to increase oil output per acre to help satisfy growing worldwide protein needs.

University of Minnesota research demonstrates that dual-cropping winter camelina can increase oil output per acre by 50%. Meanwhile, current federal feed guidelines limit camelina meal inclusion in specific livestock diets to 10%.

The players

MBOLD

This initiative operates as a coalition under the GREATER MSP Partnership to drive economic growth through food and agriculture innovation.

GREATER MSP Partnership

This regional economic development organization focuses on accelerating growth for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region.

University of Minnesota

This public research university conducts scientific studies to improve agricultural practices and crop yields for the state.

Association of American Feed Control Officials

This organization establishes standards for the safety and labeling of animal feeds across the United States.

The details

The initiative highlights how winter camelina can improve soil health by preventing erosion, maintaining nutrients, and reducing nitrate leaching during the off-season. MBOLD aims to double winter camelina acreage annually until reaching its one-million-acre target.

1978: The Rapeseed Association of Canada registered the canola trademark.
2025: Minnesota farmers seeded approximately 5,000 acres to winter camelina.
October 2026: MBOLD released new reports regarding canola and winter camelina.
2050: Global protein demand is projected to increase by 50%.

Culture Shift

This strategic push follows the documented trend of the 50% increase in global protein demand by 2050. The initiative marks a significant attempt to modernize agricultural land use to ensure food security.

Minnesota farmers may see expanded opportunities to adopt dual-cropping systems that utilize off-season acreage. These shifts could change local planting routines while potentially increasing revenue through the inclusion of camelina meal in regional animal feed supplies.

The takeaway

Winter camelina offers a practical way for farmers to maintain soil health while producing marketable oil and protein. Adopting these off-season crops can help producers diversify their output and contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability.