Most rapeseed produced in the U.S. today is Canola, a variety suitable for human consumption. However, varieties of rapeseed (e.g., Brassica napus--a winter variety; Brassica campestris--a spring variety) that contain high levels of industrial fatty acids (i.e., erucic acid) are also produced for use in lubricants, plasticizers, coatings, surfactants, and as an additive in rubber.
Commercial production of industrial rapeseed in the U.S. is limited (2000 harvested acres in 2005) with production occurring mostly in the Northwest (with typical yields of 1,300 to 1,500 lbs seed/acre). Oil constitutes 40 to 45 percent of the seed weight and erucic acid is 45 to 50 percent of the oil. The meal is characterized by a high concentration of chemicals (i.e., glucosinolates) which decreases the palatability of the meal to livestock and can be toxic to some animals, limiting its usefulness as a livestock feed.
Industrial rapeseed can be grown throughout much of the United States wherever wheat is grown, but varieties suitable for commercial production are lacking for many areas. Production of rapeseed uses the same equipment used to produce small grains (i.e., wheat, oats, barley, etc.) and production costs are similar to those of wheat.