Bayer, a global leader in the agricultural industry, announced on Thursday that they have acquired camelina germplasm, intellectual property, and materials from Smart Earth Camelina Corp. This strategic move aligns with Bayer’s commitment to advancing biofuel feedstocks and supporting regenerative agriculture practices.
In addition to this recent acquisition, Bayer has previously invested in CoverCress, a type of field pennycress that serves as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel, and biodiesel. The company is also in the process of finalizing an agreement with a major renewable fuel producer for a third biofuel crop, winter canola. These investments and developments underscore Bayer’s dedication to decarbonizing the transportation sector and delivering innovative solutions for regenerative agriculture.
Camelina is a unique intermediate oilseed crop that offers a promising low-carbon intensity for renewable fuel production. It can be cultivated during both spring and winter seasons, making it a versatile and sustainable option for biofuel feedstocks. Bayer plans to leverage its expertise in oilseeds to further develop camelina and enhance its potential as a key player in the renewable fuel market.
According to Bayer, the demand for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel is expected to increase significantly by 2040, from 14 billion to 40 billion gallons. By investing in intermediate oilseed crops like camelina, Bayer aims to meet this growing demand and support farmers in producing low-carbon biomass-based feedstocks. This initiative aligns with Bayer’s broader goals of promoting sustainable cropping systems and reducing global CO2 emissions.
Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy and Sustainability in Bayer’s Crop Science Division, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing regenerative agricultural practices and supporting farmers in meeting the demand for low-carbon feedstocks. By investing in camelina and other alternative oilseed crops, Bayer aims to lead the way in driving sustainable solutions for the agriculture industry.
Smart Earth Camelina Corp., a pioneer in camelina development for over two decades, expressed confidence in Bayer’s ability to scale up camelina production and drive advancements in sustainable agriculture. Jack Grushcow, President and CEO of Smart Earth Camelina Corp., highlighted Bayer’s role in reducing global CO2 emissions through the expansion of camelina cultivation.
In addition to camelina, Bayer is also focused on advancing CoverCress and winter canola as biomass-based feedstocks for renewable fuel production. These efforts are part of Bayer’s broader biofuel strategy, which aims to provide farmers with new revenue streams and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Bayer’s collaboration with Neste, a leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel, further underscores their commitment to developing innovative solutions for the renewable fuel market.
As Bayer continues to expand its portfolio of biofuel feedstocks and drive advancements in regenerative agriculture, the company remains at the forefront of sustainable agriculture practices. By leveraging their expertise in oilseeds and strategic partnerships with industry leaders, Bayer is poised to make significant contributions to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable farming practices.
For more information and updates on Bayer’s initiatives in the agricultural industry, visit www.Agri-Pulse.com.