LMSPs have been set up in each Country at the beginning of the project and very important ideas arose during the meetings which positively influenced 4CE-MED activities and helped understand how these innovative cropping systems should be scaled up to a commercial level.
The most important topics discussed during the LMSPs meetings were:
- Identification of some potential constraints to CA in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.
- Most indicated areas for the introduction of camelina in different Countries
- Camelina as an interesting feedstock for animal feed due to the quality of its oil composition and protein content
- Need to carefully take into account agronomic practices of the previous crop such as herbicides residuality effects on camelina.
During the first period of project implementation a SWOT analysis was performed in each country within the LSMPs, highlighting weaknesses, strengthens, threats and opportunities from agronomical, societal and economic point of view.
- Weaknesses: Camelina is a completely new species for North Africa, so a breeding programme is needed to increase the availability of suited varieties.
- Strengthens: wide adaptability of camelina (winter and spring crop…) and low input requirements.
- Opportunities: it can be used not only for food and feed but also for advanced biofuel (jet fuels); moreover, farmers adopting CA are steeply increasing.
- Threats: Uncertain markets, alternative oil species might result in more profitability than camelina.
The involvement of over 100 stakeholders have been fundamental, including farmers, farmers’ advisors, cooperatives, academia, agricultural associations, policy and decision makers, oil processors etc.