Bayer and Neste Unite to Scale Winter Canola as a Renewable Fuel Feedstock
Bayer and Neste, a leader in sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on scaling winter canola as a biomass-based feedstock for renewable products like biofuels. This partnership aims to establish a winter canola ecosystem in the Southern Great Plains of the U.S., focusing on product development and strategic collaborations to enable Bayer’s entry into this market.
Driving Decarbonization Through Renewable Fuels
“Renewable fuels are crucial for decarbonizing transportation and energy systems as global targets continue to shape biofuel markets and drive demand for sustainable feedstocks,” said Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability for Bayer’s Crop Science Division. Bayer is committed to empowering farmers to meet this demand through investments in crops like winter canola and advancements in sustainable farming practices.
Bayer plans to launch its hybrid TruFlex Winter Canola in 2027. This innovative crop offers significant benefits, including Roundup Ready and pod shatter resistance technology, ensuring stability and performance. As an alternative rotational crop, winter canola helps sequester carbon in soil, improves organic matter content, enhances water retention, and boosts overall soil health and fertility.
A Sustainable Future for Farmers
“We are thrilled to partner with Neste to provide farmers with profitable new crop options while meeting the growing demand for renewable fuel,” said Jennifer Ozimkiewicz, Head of Crop Strategy Soy & Biofuels at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “Our next-generation TruFlex products offer a sustainable rotational crop option that enhances biodiversity, soil health, and agronomic resilience while reducing pest, disease, and weed pressure.”
Bayer and Neste will work with farmers and the value chain to integrate winter canola as a feedstock that produces fuel with lower carbon intensity compared to traditional sources. A definitive agreement is expected by 2025.
Scaling Regenerative Agriculture
“This collaboration strengthens our strategy to scale regenerative agriculture concepts with value chain partners,” said Artturi Mikkola, Senior Vice President of Feedstock Sourcing & Trading at Neste. “Winter canola has the potential to enhance cropping systems, improve environmental outcomes, and reduce carbon intensity, replacing fossil resources with renewable raw materials.”
Renewable Fuels: A Path to Climate Mitigation
Renewable fuels play a pivotal role in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors like aviation. These fuels have a significantly lower carbon intensity than fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle and mitigating climate change. Additionally, they provide farmers with new revenue streams by cultivating biomass-based feedstocks, contributing to a more sustainable and profitable agricultural future.
