The assessment of a new protein source–Rapeseed

Rapeseed, including both Brassica napus and Brassica campestris, is the fourth most important oilseed of commerce with a production and oil yield in 1980-81 of 11.3 and 3.9 M tonnes respectively. It is the only oilseed capable of commercial cultivation in Northern Europe and its growth is financially supported by the EEC. In Western Europe, over 2 M tonnes of rapeseed is crushed annually, about a fifth of this within the UK. The production of rapeseed within the UK has increased dramatically over the last decade. In 1980-81 the yield was 280 ooo tonnes (with an additional 140000 tonnes being imported). This upward trend is expected to continue and currently an estimated 160 ooo ha are under cultivation and a yield in excess of 400 ooo tonnes is expected for 1982-83.