Bayer and bp announced on May 6 a long-term strategic alliance to jointly scale the camelina crop, branded as newgold, for use in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. The collaboration will begin commercializing camelina in North America, with bp contributing its expertise in fuels and refining while Bayer leverages its seed technology and farmer network.
The partnership aims to address the growing demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel markets. These markets are projected to nearly triple by 2040, reaching an estimated 40 billion gallons according to Bayer’s market research from multiple external sources. Camelina is being positioned as an intermediate oilseed crop that can be grown between main crops or on underutilized land.
Frank Terhorst, Head of strategy and sustainability for Bayer’s Crop Science division, said: “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. 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.” Philipp Schoelzel, senior vice president biofuels growth at bp said: “This collaboration represents bp at its best. Working with trusted partners with complementary capabilities to develop products customers want and need, while delivering value for our shareholders.”
Bayer acquired camelina assets in late 2024 ahead of this announcement. The company has started testing both long- and short-season biotypes of newgold camelina in regions such as the Northern Plains of the US along with Southern Saskatchewan and Southern Alberta in Canada.
Camelina offers lower-carbon intensity options for renewable fuel production due to its adaptability; it can grow during spring or winter seasons with lower input requirements than other crops. It is winter hardy with pod shatter resistance and drought tolerance traits that allow cultivation on idle or fallow land without competing directly with food production cycles.
Camelina under the newgold brand is intended as a profit multiplier by providing flexibility—serving either between cropping seasons or within existing rotations—or making marginal lands more productive assets. This approach allows farmers participation in low-carbon fuel economies while maintaining control over their operations.
Bayer supports community well-being by fostering regenerative agriculture that enhances long-term food security and environmental health; Bayer’s Crop Science division operates as a key component advancing integrated life science innovations; Bayer’s purpose centers on advancing regenerative agriculture; Bayer stands out for developing agricultural innovations addressing future food needs while restoring resources; Bayer extends these innovations globally; Bayer contributes toward sustainable farming policies—all according to the official website.
