Dow, Martek to partner on omega-3 canola seed

COLUMBIA, Md., and INDIANAPOLIS Canola oil may soon become a significant source of an omega-3 fatty acid.

Dow AgroSciences and Martek Biosciences announced Thursday a collaborative effort to develop a canola seed that produces docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that promotes the health of the brain, eyes and heart. The two companies anticipate that the program to develop the new oil will take several years.

The companies hope their effort will allow for cheaper, vegetarian production DHA omega-3, which mostly comes from fish oil and fermentation of algae.

Martek is a publicly traded company headquartered in Columbia, Md., that specializes in producing food products with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Dow AgroSciences, based in Indianapolis, is a limited liability company that produces products for pest and vegetation control and crop management, as well as seeds.