US ADM and Syngenta sign MoU to collaborate on low carbon oilseeds to meet biofuel demand

HOUSTON (ICIS)–US Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Syngenta Group announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in scaling research and commercialization of low carbon oilseeds to help meet rising demand for biofuels and other sustainably sourced products.

The agribusiness titan said the MoU envisions a situation by which ADM and Syngenta would leverage their existing capabilities to accelerate the research, processing and commercialization of new low carbon-intensity oilseeds, such as camelina, that are typically grown in the fallow period of a crop rotation.

The companies noted that they bring broad capabilities to this effort with Syngenta have research and development strengths, which offer biotechnology support, seed treatments and biologicals that further reduce the carbon intensity of crops.

It also has agronomic knowledge from a network of local, field experts combined with excellent farmer relationships.

For its part ADM has a global scale and logistical expertise including unparalleled production and storage capabilities along with relationships with growers and customers spanning food, feed, fuel, industrial and consumer products.

ADM and Syngenta said they envision fostering partnerships with additional companies to support the creation, commercialization and processing of these next generation oilseeds.

“This exciting MoU with Syngenta demonstrates how we are working with partners to bring the full value chain together to support new seed technologies,” Greg Morris, ADM Agricultural Services and Oilseeds business president said.

“It builds on our unique capabilities by creating a path to scale the processing of cover crops, a process we’ve already successfully piloted. We look forward to working with Syngenta to advance this work and continue to meet demand for sustainably sourced fuels and other products.”

The companies said global demand for biofuels is expected to grow by 35bn liters per year over the 2022-2027 period, which represents an increase of 22%.

“Syngenta is excited to join forces with ADM to bring more sustainable and profitable solutions to farmers,” Justin Wolfe, Syngenta Global Seeds president said.

“Sustainability is a core enabler of our business strategy. We believe collaborations, such as this one, are important ways to drive quicker innovation that delivers higher yield potential while carrying a lower impact to our environment.”

The companies expect to sign definitive agreements by the end of the year and said that they are already advancing important work together around growing and processing varieties.