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Rapeseed is useful for extracting vegetable oil and filter cake. The vegetable oil can be used for baking, cooking and as a fuel for powering vehicles and agricultural equipment. The filter cake is often used as cattle feed (as an alternative to soy).

We estimate that at 1 ha land, 4,5 ton of rapeseed can be grown in winter. That yields about 1485 liter of rapeseed oil (33% of 42% oil in the seed can be extracted) and 3015 kg of filter cake.

We estimate that a new press costs about 2800 €, an oil filter costs about 4700 €, and a storage tank of 1000 liter costs about 500 €. That's a total of 8000 €

1 l of rapeseed oil for use as a fuel has a value of 0,95 €/l, and the same liter of oil used as an edible oil has a value of 0,65 €/l Pressing costs are about 0,10€/l Prices of engine conversion are the prices per year.

Some scenarios and financial profits thereof

Scenario 1: own use of the rapeseed oil in personal vehicle + use of filter cake This yields 1475 € per ha (1410 € from oil, 435 € from filter cake, minus 150 € costs for pressing, 220 € for conversion engine).

Scenario 2: selling of oil to private company + use of filter cake This yields 1250 € per ha (965 € from oil, 435 € from filter cake, minus 150 € costs for pressing,

Scenario 3: own use as fuel for tractor + use of filter cake This yields 925 € per ha (740 € from oil, 435 € from filter cake, minus 150 € costs for pressing, 100 € for conversion engine).

Scenario 4: commercial selling of edible oil + use of filter cake This yields 880 € per ha (595 € from oil, 435 € from filter cake, minus 150 € costs for pressing).

References

• Kosten versus baten, Vakwerk Koolzaad; source: Ministerie van de Vlaamse Gemeenschap, Administratie en Kwaliteit Landbouwproductie