Camelina in organic farming

It is often grown in combination with other crops, particularly lentils, where it serves as a support plant and helps manage weed growth. In this case, camelina is sown at a relatively low density, resulting in a lower yield than when grown as a stand-alone crop. 

It can also be grown as a stand-alone crop in the fall or spring and is an attractive option for incorporating a crucifer into organic crop rotations. It is particularly useful for weed management: with its short growth cycle, it can be sown very late in the spring, which helps break the weed cycle and allows for multiple false sowings in the spring. 

If growing conditions are favorable, camelina grows rapidly and is highly competitive with weeds. However, if conditions are unfavorable, camelina becomes a very messy crop because mechanical implements are difficult to use (risk of root exposure, particularly with a harrow). 

Reports from farmers also suggest a potential allelopathic effect of camelina, which, to our knowledge, has not yet been demonstrated in open fields.

Organically grown camelina is primarily used to produce edible oil or in the cosmetics industry, while the oilseed meal is used as animal feed.