US crop protection and seed producer Corteva has partnered with global energy giant bp to develop crop-based feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.
After signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the companies agreed to form a joint venture to progressively scale up volume, reaching 1M tonnes/year of biofuel feedstocks for SAF production by the mid-2030s, Corteva said on 18 November.
Corteva said it planned to form contracts with farmers in North and South America, and Europe, to grow Corteva mustard seed, sunflower and canola feedstocks for SAF production.
The joint venture’s aim was to introduce new cropping systems to produce oil that meets EU RED III criteria, and qualifies for US Low Carbon Intensity policy incentives, while creating a new revenue stream for farmers, the company said.
Emma Delaney, bp executive vice president, customers & products, said the partnership would combine Corteva’s technology and grower relationships and bp’s refining and trading capabilities.
The companies expect the agreement to be finalised in 2025 with the aim of becoming operational later that year.
Corteva Agriscience’s portfolio includes a range of crop protection products – fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and seed treatments – and seeds.