By Jamie Martin
Bayer and bp have entered a long-term partnership to increase the production of camelina, an oilseed crop used for renewable fuels. The crop will be sold under the newgold™ brand, with commercial efforts beginning in North America.
This alliance combines bp’s knowledge of fuel and refining with Bayer’s expertise in seed development and farmer relationships. The goal is to strengthen the supply of intermediate oilseeds needed for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel.
“This alliance will help us to connect the value chain necessary to bring camelina to market and provides our farmer customers greater market certainty as they consider camelina on their farm,” said Frank Terhorst, head of strategy and sustainability for Bayer’s Crop Science division.
“We are utilizing our industry leading breeding program to enhance the crop, and its untapped potential globally to help meet the needs of this growing market. We see this as a win for our customers and their farms, as it creates potential new revenue streams, but also a win for the renewable fuels market,” said Terhorst.
The global demand for these fuels is forecast to rise significantly by 2040. Camelina offers a practical option for meeting this demand while supporting farmers and environmental goals.
The partnership also follows Bayer’s earlier purchase of camelina assets. Bayer is currently testing different camelina varieties to prepare large-scale production. The crop has already been planted in parts of the northern United States and western Canada.
Camelina stands out because of its low carbon intensity and adaptability. It can grow in both winter and spring seasons and requires less input than many traditional crops. Its natural tolerance to cold, drought, and pod shattering allows it to grow on idle land or between main crops.
For farmers, camelina offers flexibility. It can be grown as an intermediate crop between seasons, added into existing rotations, or planted on underutilized land. This helps increase land productivity without affecting food crop production.
Camelina grown under the newgold™ brand is designed to support farm profitability while contributing to cleaner fuel supplies. Farmers can choose how the crop fits into their operations based on local conditions and business needs.
Biofuels play a key role in lowering emissions in transportation areas where electric solutions are limited. By expanding camelina farming, this partnership supports both sustainable agriculture and future energy needs.
Photo Credit: bayer-and-bp-logo
Categories: National