The Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s (NFSA) approved Aquaterra® omega-3 oil for use in fish feed applications. Aquaterra is derived from Nuseed® omega-3 canola, the world’s first plant-based source of DHA, EPA, and ALA.

The assessment concludes that “the requirement that the feed must be safe and not be harmful to human or animal health, or make food from animals unsuitable for human consumption, is met. Furthermore, we consider that the requirement that feed shall not have adverse effects on the environment has also been met.” The full NFSA approval can be accessed at mattilsnet.no.

“This is a huge step forward in recognizing the value of nutritional-driven innovation from agriculture,” said Greg Hunt, CEO of Nufarm. Nuseed Omega-3 Canola is a novel and much-needed source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Wild-caught fish are the main source of these nutrients today but increasing demand and climate change threaten supply chain stability.

Norway leads the world in farmed salmon production, producing more than 1.6 million tonnes each year. Omega-3 oils are essential to the health and welfare of farmed salmon, so the limited supply of fish oil constrains industry growth. One to two hectares of Nuseed omega-3 canola can produce as much DHA as 10,000 one kg wild fish. There is an opportunity to double the global supply of these important nutrients on less than 5% of current canola production land.

Aquaterra is the first biotechnology product authorized for use by the NFSA in Norway under the food act. “This approval is groundbreaking and further validation of Aquaterra’s safety and importance to Norway’s salmon industry,” added Brent Zacharias, group executive Nuseed. Collaborative studies conducted by industry and Nofima have demonstrated that salmon fed Aquaterra diets produce higher quality fillets with increased omega-3 content.

“Norway has always been a target market for Aquaterra omega-3 oil, and we are excited about the positive contribution to the industry,” said Benita Boettner, global general manager of Nuseed Nutritional. “Advancing the seafood industry is essential because farmed fish are less resource intensive, with a lower-carbon impact than other proteins.”