Farmer's Camelina Seed Reimbursed

MONTANA, Jan 16 (Neo Natura) - Montana farmers in 32 northern and eastern counties can now get reimbursed for their camelina seed costs as part of the new Montana's "Agro Energy Plan".

The program covers Camelina costs of up to a $1.30 per pound and up to 80 acres, at seeding rates of three to five pounds per acre.

Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ron De Yong says they're looking to help the growing agricultural sector and that he hopes the project will encourage farmers to gain experience planting the oilseed crop.

"We'd like to get enough Camelina grown to actually get this industry started. So, if you've never raised Camelina before it's pretty hard to think about raising it when you have all these good options right now which is unusual for farmers to have."

The camelina crop is planned to be used for the production of bio-diesel through the process of transesterification.