Cargill announced the launch of Latitude, a plant-based fish oil alternative that provides long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for aquaculture feeds.

According to the announcement, Latitude is 100% traceable since Cargill manages the supply chain from the canola seed to crop cultivation and oil production — and industry-first for a product of this kind.

Made from canola oilseeds, Latitude provides a sustainable solution to deliver on the demand for fish oil. It also meets market expectations for a reliable supply, predictable price, as well as a safe and traceable source of omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, DPA and DHA. By using a plant-based source, Latitude reduces dependency on marine ingredients, including forage fish, and provides assurance against environmental degradation and overfishing of our oceans, Cargill said.

“The growth in aquaculture production brings an increase in demand for Omega-3s,” said Willie Loh, vice president of market development for Cargill’s global edible oils business in North America. “With Latitude, Cargill is combining our aquaculture expertise and canola innovation capabilities to help meet that demand using plant-based Omega-3s in aquafeed, instead of relying on fish oil from over farmed oceans. Latitude will help relieve some of the pressure on wild-caught fish, while delivering a reliable Omega-3 product to aquafeed manufacturers — a win-win for the industry.”

In addition to providing a reliable, sustainable source of omega-3 fatty acids, the functional elements of Latitude are equally viable for fish feed manufacturers. Fresh and saltwater feed trials have shown that 100% of fish oil can be replaced with Latitude in commercial salmon feed with no effect on fish growth rates, fish health or fillet Omega-3 content, Cargill said.

“Inherent in its name, Latitude gives aquafeed manufacturers and their customers the freedom to use alternative Omega-3 sources,” Loh said. “This can support the growing consumer population, as well as the global demand for Omega-3-rich salmon, known for its heart health benefits.”

Salmon feed manufacturers in Chile and Canada will be able to purchase Latitude once commercially available, planned for 2020.