Growing the castor-oil plant in Europe

Abstract

In 1986 the oil industry set out to establish a new crop: the castor-oil plant. This seed provides an oil that has exceptional characteristics. Both are imported to Europe. The harvest and direct dehulling in the field are part of the many tasks undertaken to adapt the cultivation to European conditions. Cemagref teams have developed a specific harvester and thresher that can be fitted to standard combine harvesters. Numerous prototypes have been tested and precise studies during harvest indicate firm progress. The current restrictions to the castor oil development programme are economic rather than technical.