Bayer Acquires Camelina Assets from Smart Earth Camelina Corp. to Boost Biofuel Development
- 11-Jan-2025 12:30 AM
- Journalist: Emilia Jackson
Bayer has finalized an agreement with Canada-based Smart Earth Camelina Corp. to acquire their camelina germplasm, intellectual property, and materials. This strategic move strengthens Bayer’s position as a global leader in biomass-based feedstock markets and supports its goal of decarbonizing the transportation sector. By investing in intermediate oilseed crops like camelina, Bayer aims to address the rising demand for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), projected to grow from 14 billion to 40 billion gallons by 2040.
Camelina, an innovative oilseed crop with a low carbon footprint, can be cultivated in both spring and winter, offering significant potential for renewable fuel production. Bayer plans to leverage its expertise in oilseeds to further develop camelina and promote sustainable agriculture practices. Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability at Bayer’s Crop Science Division, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing farmers with solutions that meet the increasing need for low-carbon feedstocks. “We are focused on advancing new intermediate oilseed crops like camelina and fostering sustainable cropping systems to lead the way in regenerative agriculture,” he stated.
Biofuels are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation sectors where electrification is not practical, such as aviation and marine. These fuels are derived from renewable organic sources like corn, soy, canola, and alternative crops such as camelina and CoverCress. They offer a lower carbon intensity than fossil fuels, contributing to climate change mitigation while creating new income opportunities for farmers through the cultivation of biomass-based feedstocks.
Jennifer Ozimkiewicz, Head of Crop Strategy Soy & Biofuels at Bayer, highlighted camelina’s benefits for growers, including its short growing season, drought tolerance, and suitability for marginal lands or as an intermediate crop. “With the acquisition of Smart Earth Camelina Corp.’s germplasm, we can offer farmers a profitable, low-carbon crop option,” she said.
Smart Earth Camelina Corp. has spent over two decades developing camelina, positioning it as a viable alternative among major oilseed crops. CEO Jack Grushcow expressed confidence in Bayer’s ability to scale camelina production, driving progress in sustainable agriculture and reducing global CO2 emissions.
Bayer’s efforts in biofuel development include integrating camelina with existing projects like CoverCress and scaling winter canola production in the U.S. The company plans to introduce hybrid TruFlex winter canola by 2027. By 2025, Bayer expects to establish new renewable fuel value chains, furthering its commitment to delivering sustainable, low-carbon fuel solutions. This milestone aligns with Bayer’s broader strategy to support renewable energy transitions and regenerative agricultural practices.